Blades of the Guardians: reviews

What the critics say average 7.6 from 20 outlets

• 9.0 Loud and Clear ReviewsSebastian Zavala Kahn A fierce, violent and entertaining wuxia epic, full of impressive fight choreography, some solid character work and efficient drama. Read
• 9.0 Geek Vibes NationAnya Couture Woo-Ping has brought back his signature fluid style in a new way. Blending fighting styles with wire work and a more intense incorporation of environmental influences during fights, Blades of the Guardians is by far his best modern work. Read
• 8.8 Roger EbertSimon Abrams “Blades of the Guardians” stands out among his best directorial credits thanks partly to its straight-ahead run-and-fight narrative as well as its focus on playful action, movie-star charisma, and pulpy melodrama. Read
• 8.8 Awards RadarMaxance Vincent It absolutely does feel special that Yuen Woo-ping is still making movies and keeps finding new ways to enthrall audiences by showcasing images (and stunts) you’ve never seen before. Read
• 8.5 In Review OnlineMatt McCracken Yuen Woo-ping has delivered an uncomplicatedly excellent exercise in tentpole spectacle. Read
• 8.3 InSession FilmBen Miller Blades of the Guardians is just too freaking cool. Don’t get too worried about the plot mechanisms, you’ll catch up eventually. Just sit back and take in the first-class martial arts action adventure. Read
• 8.0 Radio TimesSean McGeady Highlights include a duel staged in a sandstorm raging with such velocity that its combatants can't stay on their feet. Even at 80, Yuen remains untouchable. Read
• 8.0 Irish IndependentHilary A White A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in the Far East? Not quite, but Wuxia fans will not for a moment be left wanting.
• 8.0 The Straits TimesJohn Lui Elevated by Yuen's masterful action choreography, but hampered by an overcrowded cast that leaves character relationships frustratingly underdeveloped. Read
• 8.0 ScreenAnarchyRino Lu An exhilarating action film filled with striking set pieces. Read
• 8.0 Giant Freakin RobotChris Sawin Yuen Woo-ping continues to showcase his legendary talent as a director while four generations of Hong Kong action cinema deliver nonstop badassery over two relentless hours of pure, uncut awesomeness. Read
• 8.0 Flick FeastKatie Smith-Wong A vast display of wuxia action that balances badassery and ambition, Blades of the Guardians is a two-hour spectacle that will enthral fans of the genre. Read
• 8.0 We Live EntertainmentAaron Neuwirth 80-year-old Yuen Woo-Ping has been a martial arts choreographer and director for decades. Yet, here he is sitting with folks like George Miller, Ridley Scott, and late-period Sidney Lumet, acting like they’re all much younger men, and delivering truly thrilling entertainment like no one’s business. Read
• 8.0 NYC Movie GuruAvi Offer An exhilarating martial arts movie with thrilling action scenes. Read
• 7.5 Mark Reviews MoviesMark Dujsik The most striking part of the choreography here ... is the dynamism and variety of the action. Read
• 7.0 South China Morning PostEdmund Lee Blades of the Guardians may not rank among the greatest wuxia films ever made, but it is easily one of the fiercest entries we have had in years. Read
• 6.0 The GuardianLeslie Felperin With all those elements in place, plus scores of extras, it doesn’t really matter what the story is about; the trick is to just sit back and enjoy the hullabaloo. Read
• 6.0 Common Sense MediaMonique Jones This film is jam-packed with action sequences that are bound to excite any wuxia fan. Read
• 5.0 Aisle SeatMike McGranaghan When the brutal, bloody action starts, the movie entertains. When it ends, the fun comes to a screeching halt. Read
• 4.0 Sight and SoundDavid West The cluttered storytelling and functional characters make for an underwhelming offering from the old master, despite the twinkle in Wu Jing’s eyes. Read