Drawing on the prowess of Donnie Yen, the first 35 minutes of gimmick-free martial arts revives the sinewy action aesthetics of '70s Shaw Brothers classics.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
The New York Times by Daniel M. Gold
While 14 Blades grinds on perhaps a half-hour too long, its ambitions and energies show that for a fresh take on the western, go east.
Ultimately, the lackluster fight scenes are what make 14 Blades a disposable addition to the wu xia world.
Los Angeles Times by Gary Goldstein
The movie's raison d'etre, its many highflying, wildly violent, often digitally enhanced kung fu fighting sequences, are edited with so much sleight of hand they may evoke more eye rolls than gasps. But the hard-working sound design, effectively stark visual palette and propulsive score do manage to impress.
Slant Magazine by Kenji Fujishima
An immensely gifted physical performer, Donnie Yen isn't strong enough an actor to suggest an authentic inner life to his character beyond a vague sense of stone-faced dissatisfaction.
Come for Ku's joyful choreography, stay for Yen's most memorable post-comeback performance.