For
The Emperor (2014/Well Go USA Blu-ray)
Picture:
A Sound: B Extras: C- Film: B-
A
disgraced baseball player gets taken in by the local mafia loan
sharks. As he collects loans and debts he begins to rapidly rise
through the ranks, but the higher he rises, the more danger comes
from within their own ranks. There can be only Emperor and all the
various leaders and mob bosses isn't going to let the new guy get it
so easily. Lee Hwan was thrown out of the major league baseball
after he was caught in an illegal sports gambling ring for cheating
and rigging the games and he'll deal with the fallout in Sang Jun
Park's For The Emperor (2014).
Taken
in by the local mob boss, Lee learns he has a knack for hitting other
things than a baseball. Un-tempted by money or power, his boss
begins to see his potential and help him rapidly rise through the
ranks, but his he grooming him for to become the next King or the
next pawn for him to step on? His only weakness is the beautiful
mistress of the mob, but when she disappears can he go against the
very man who's taken him underneath his wing and trained him, or does
his loyalty run deeper?
This
movie was like watching a Korean version of Sherlock/Benedict
Cumberbatch look alike with brutal martial art fighting; expect
serious violence. It is seems to point out Koreans value loyalty on
to death, even when betrayed by their own boss/leaders, if one one
remains loyal, loyalty will always be rewarded. Not always original,
but delivers the genre goods.
The
1080p 2.35 X 1 digital High Definition image is on the blue side, but
tends to look great throughout, while the DTS-HD MA (Master Audio)
5.1 mix may not impress that much, but is still well mixed, recorded
and always offering something in its surrounds if a bit overdone.
Extra include trailers.
-
Ricky Chiang
