Movies

Inspired by the story of a roman legion which vanished attacking the Parthian empire in 50 BC, this is a tale of civilizations clashing on the silk road. Huo An (Jackie Chan) leads the Silk Road Protection Squad which tries to keep the peace among the warring factions. They are framed for gold smuggling and sentenced to prison work detail at the Wild Geese Gate. Lucius (John Cusack) leads his Legion to the gate with a blind boy named Publius. They are on the run from Publius' murderous brother Tiberius (Adrien Brody).There continues to be an effort to sell Chinese movies by adding Hollywood elements. This has led to bending and twisting stories to accommodate the additions. The stories feel artificial and manufactured. It's a mess of clunky muddle. There are some nice battle scenes in this one. They are wild fun action but this movie is immediately forgettable.

Allow me to start by saying if you are expecting a non stop action fight film....Don't. This film is one build on story not action. The fight scenes are good but not the best for modern day film goers. The film depicts events on the Silk Road involving Chinese, Roman, and other countries who travel and protect this region. I have read other reviews on here concerning this film and give it a low rating due to non-action scenes. This film is not a blow them up and add more dynamite type of film. It makes one think.Jackie Chan has begun a long line of historical films, that have been ranked low on his career but its these films that he is most proud of. They show a history of China and its surrounding regions that most people in the west would never hear of.

I'm not sure how seriously to take this movie. Not sure if it's poorly made, or genius. While the cinematography may leave something to be desired, I feel as though it's intentionally giving us that look to honor the older movies it seems influenced by. Over all an entertaining movie if you go into it with the right mindset. The fight scenes are exciting, and I kept waiting for Bruce Lee to show up, only to get shot by Clint Eastwood, while Mel Gibson rode by on his horse shouting Braveheart references. Jackie Chan continues to amaze at his age, and the other A- list actors make this movie more than worth your time. I might have to watch this one again.