Isaac Florentine’s “Ninja Shadow of a Tear” stands out as a delightful fusion of rich character exploration and mesmerizing slow-motion combat sequences, providing unabashed entertainment.
For enthusiasts craving more 80s-inspired martial arts drama following the exhilarating rush of Cobra Kai, the captivating performances of action luminary Scott Adkins in this remarkable sequel offer a compelling draw. Departing from its predecessor’s storyline, “Ninja Shadow of a Tear” swiftly carves its own path, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its narrative as a standalone experience or even in reverse order for added depth.
“Knights of the Zodiac” endeavors to bring to life the legendary manga series “Saint Seiya,” but it falls short of its ambitious goals. The film begins with a barrage of exposition, attempting to introduce audiences to the complex mythology of warriors sworn to protect the human embodiment of the goddess Athena. However, despite its efforts, the narrative fails to provide crucial details, leaving viewers bewildered.
While cultural disparities may partly explain the film’s opacity, the ultimate downfall of “Knights of the Zodiac” lies in its uncanny resemblance to lackluster American young adult and fantasy adaptations of recent years. Initially promising with its energetic start, the movie soon loses momentum, descending into a tiresome narrative cul-de-sac reminiscent of uninspired genre offerings from Sony’s Screen Gems arm.
The film’s early moments introduce Seiya, a brooding protagonist with a mysterious past, portrayed by Mackenyu. However, as the story progresses, Seiya’s lack of chemistry with Sienna, played by Madison Iseman, and the convoluted conflict involving antagonists led by Guraad, portrayed by Famke Janssen, fail to engage viewers.
Director Tomasz Bagiński infuses energy into the fight scenes, showcasing agile choreography with dynamic camera movements. Yet, despite these moments of visual flair, the film is marred by its barren settings and lack of depth. The characters feel like mere caricatures, devoid of human complexity, while the narrative fails to explore intriguing themes like social class differences adequately.
Despite occasional glimpses of visual splendor, such as Janssen’s cape billowing against a backdrop of flames, or Iseman enveloped in ethereal light, the film’s climactic confrontations disappoint, shrouded in a haze of lackluster special effects.
Director: Tomasz Bagiński
Writers: Josh Campbell, Matt Stuecken, Kiel Murray
Cast: Mackenyu, Madison Iseman, Sean Bean, Famke Janssen, Nick Stahl, Diego Tinoco
Release Date: May 12, 2023
