Once
Upon A Time In Vietnam
(2013/Lionsgate DVD)
Picture:
B- Sound: B Extras: C- Film: B
Dustin
Nguyen's Once
Upon A Time in Vietnam
(2013) is an epic indy with interesting ideas, production design, and
characters but has moments where it shows its low budget in the shape
of bad digital effects. The action is well choreographed but the
problem with the film is that it tried to go too big when it should
have restrained itself in some regards.
The
film takes place in a semi-modern, semi-period Vietnam where Dao, a
commander in the Emperor's army, finds himself in the middle of a
deadly conflict raging between a tyrannical crime box and the
peaceful town under the boss' thumb. Possessing extraordinary powers
including a hand that can transform in a mystical fist, Dao tracks
down Ahn - his lost lover and a monk warrior who fled the Emperor's
army nine years ago and started a family with a local baker whose
business is on the down end.
When
Dao rents a small apartment on Ahn's property from her new husband,
he realizes that the young son that she has been raising is really
his and possesses Dao's mystical powers, which he puts to use after
being bullied at his local school. Once the Emperor comes in to the
picture, he lays his fist down on Do and Ahn for breaking their truce
and having relations against their blood oaths. In addition, Ahn
must struggle with choosing which path she must face - the new one
she has created that is more normal or her duty to her Emperor.
The
highlight of the film is definitely the character of Dao, played by
the director himself. Usually dressed in armor or a red cloak, Dao
moves throughout the film with elegance and precision and only picks
a fight if someone comes at him first. He is very matter of fact and
the effects surrounding his powers are pretty impressive considering
the films budget. I want to point out a big thing that bothers me is
Ahn's son has several premonitions in the form of drawings
surrounding his room in the film that are WAY too good for a
youngster to draw... even one with mystical powers. They should have
made that a tad bit more realistic.
The
film is by no means bad and is decently paced. The transfer is fine
for a DVD release that is presented in a standard definition,
anamorphically enhanced and in a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.40:1
preserving the original theatrical presentation. The audio tracks
are in a lossy Dolby 5.1 Vietnamese and English digital audio. I
will warn you that the English dubs on this disc are down right awful
and the voices they have chosen do not match the characters at all.
There are also optional English and Spanish subtitles on the disc.
Extras
include a Behind
the Scenes featurette
with interviews and a Trailer
Gallery.
Both of which are standard EPK materials and nothing to really write
home about.
All
in all, the film is a decent watch but by no means a classic or
perfect film. If you are a fan of Asian fantasy films or are looking
for some cool fight scenes then this may be a good casual watch for
you.
-
James Harland Lockhart V
www.vimeo.com/jamielockhart
