Geochilmaru (2005)

User Rating:

5.5/10   

Director:

Jin-seong Kim

Writer:

Jin-seong Kim (screenplay)

Release Date:

15 September 2005 (South Korea)

Genre:

Action

Plot Keywords:

Tae Kwon Do | Hapkido | Karate | Taekkyon | Ssirum

Cast

Dae Won Kim
Jin-myung Kim
Min-ki Kwon
Hong-il Seong

Also Known As:

The Showdown (International: English title)

Runtime:

86 min

Country:

South Korea

Language:

Korean

Color:

Color

Certification:

South Korea:12

Filming Locations:

South Korea

A martial arts film for real martial artists

I enjoyed this one; a simple concept: get enough cash together to make a low budget flick, shoot it in digital to save expenses on film (or, it looks like it's shot in digital), then hire a handful of genuine martial artists, put them in a van and drive them all up to a remote setting where they'll duke it out on camera for the honour of meeting - and challenging - the "Geochilmaru" - the Grandmaster of Korea's internet-jive-talking martial artists.

Of course, what I've just partly mentioned is the plot for the film and not a malicious crew tricking unwitting warriors into brawling for our entertainment, but what I've not mentioned is that the fight sequences are well choreographed, the action and story both flow along together nicely (more than can be said about the majority of action pic's, with either the plot fitting in around set pieces or the action scenes not living up to the story/budget/performers' capabilities), and good, realistic portrayals from all characters, make this film one to watch if you're a serious fan of fighting films.

It also has philosophical underlines of the world of martial arts and an almost feel-good code of honour, which makes anybody viewing who practises themselves, glad to both do so and to have seen the film.

Oh, and don't let my mentioning its "digi cam" look turn you off - it suits perfectly the realistic - almost gritty - feel the film has.

Now track down a copy and give this great little independent picture a go!