"The swordsman" plays around with potentially interesting elements such as reincarnation, visions, stolen archaeological treasure, illegal fencing clubs and duels to the death. Sadly the execution of this material leaves much to be desired. The resulting muddle is neither coherent nor riveting. The intelligibility of the tale is not improved by the fact that many of the scenes are shrouded in darkness or semi-darkness. One can easily imagine a lecture at a medical college where some sombre-looking teacher shows an excerpt from "The swordsman" while saying : "And this, ladies and gentleman, is how a patient with beginning glaucoma views the world".
Just why the various creators of the movie wanted to plunge large swathes of the action into darkness is anybody's guess.
The plot asks us to entertain the possibility that the protagonist (played by Lorenzo Lamas and his hair) is a reincarnation of Alexander the Great. It's not immediately obvious why Alexander, one of the most superb generals who ever walked this earth, would return as an ineffective police officer. Because, let's face it, as a police officer our hero is a bit cr*p. Personally I wouldn't trust him with the protection of an egg and cress sandwich.
I'm giving "The swordsman" a few stars for its fencing, fight choreography and stunt work, but it's not a good movie. Still, it might amuse people who like to organize communal drinking games around non sequiturs and howlers. Friends capable of playing the ukulele could provide suitable music, such as "You can call me Al", "Don't fence me in" or "Long haired lover from Liverpool".
Just why the various creators of the movie wanted to plunge large swathes of the action into darkness is anybody's guess.
The plot asks us to entertain the possibility that the protagonist (played by Lorenzo Lamas and his hair) is a reincarnation of Alexander the Great. It's not immediately obvious why Alexander, one of the most superb generals who ever walked this earth, would return as an ineffective police officer. Because, let's face it, as a police officer our hero is a bit cr*p. Personally I wouldn't trust him with the protection of an egg and cress sandwich.
I'm giving "The swordsman" a few stars for its fencing, fight choreography and stunt work, but it's not a good movie. Still, it might amuse people who like to organize communal drinking games around non sequiturs and howlers. Friends capable of playing the ukulele could provide suitable music, such as "You can call me Al", "Don't fence me in" or "Long haired lover from Liverpool".