The Storm Riders (1998)

This film is great.... Despite the film having subtitles and the actors constantly wearing white so that you can't tell what is being said, this film has univerisal appeal. The fantastic special effects make this film a cut above other chinese films I have seen. Though the effects look dated by western standards given the difference in bugdet between this film and a hollywood blockbuster, they are fab. As for the story, a classic story of destiny, magic swords, evil warlords, a love triangle, comedy female and shaolin monks. The whole thing is done on an epic scale with some wonderful scenery and set pieces. Basic plot, the prophet Mad Buddha tells the Warlord Conquerer of two boys who will bring his clan great power. However he says that there is another part of the prophecy, but it is sealed in the Persian Magic box that conquerer has to solve. These two boys are Cloud and Wind. Cloud is the son of a legendary Swordsmith, the creator of "Life's best Sword", whilst Cloud is the son of Whispering Prince, the wielder of the "Blizzard Blade". Both their fathers are slain and the boys brought up in Conquerers palace, where they bring Conquerer domination over all other clans. Enter Conquerer's daughter who loves both the young warriors. Eventually through some character defining missions (Cloud is sent to kill an entire fortress through stealth, whilst Wind is sent to find Mad Buddha) the main polt begins when Conquerer discovers that these two warriors will be his downfall. He then sets them at further odds in attempt to drive them apart, as a consequence they are driven together and finally defeat conquerer. We thought it was fab, the acting (though in a forgien language to me) is spectacular. And for those to whom no chinese movie is incomplete without a good bit of flying on strings, there is plenty of that in this movie to. All in all get the beers in and a take away... watch and you too will understand why we call this "Film 23".

Its a great movie that I dont mind watching over and over again. I've rented the movie, but would like to know where I can buy one for myself. I also want to comment on the actors who's roles were played out excellent. Its most certainly one of the greatest chinese movie I've ever seen!!