What Is the Story About?
Fistful of Vengeance is a direct and standalone movie conclusion of the series Wu Assasins. The supernatural action thriller sees the assassins reunite in their final mission to avenge the death of Jenny.
While the revenge mission is on, the Wu Assasins face their biggest challenge yet as they have to save the world from evil Zan Hui (Juju Chan). Can Kia Jin (Iko Uwais) complete the task by bringing everyone together is the movie’s basic plot.
Performances?
It is not a single standalone actor who shines, but everyone as a group works out in Fistful Of Vengeance. The chemistry is important and Iko Uwais, Lewis Tan, Lawrence Kao, Pearl Thusi, and Francesca Corney deliver as a whole.
Lawrence Kao stands out as a performer among them. It is not much but he has something more to do than just fight. Iko and the rest are remarkable during the action sequences. But, they don’t have much depth in their parts.
Analysis
Roel Reine directs Fistful Of Vengeance. It is an out and out action movie with a formulaic plot that acts more like serving a backdrop to hold different action pieces, together.
Fistful Of Vengeance jumps right into the action from the first scene without wasting any time. The dialogues here serves the dual purpose of introducing us to the plot and also the various characters. It is therefore important that one not miss the beginning.
There is a lot of chaos, but the action keeps one engaged. The director takes care in shooting them stylishly and using different locations so that they don’t become repetitive.
The action blocks are without any doubt the best parts of Fistful Of Vengeance. They set an adrenaline rush going.
The biggest issue with the narrative is the story. It is wafer-thin and hinges on the group’s chemistry to make it work. To be fair, the bunch do a decent job, but the extremely generic – exposition-heavy conversations make the proceedings lack any connection.
If the rift between the friends seems rushed then the actual world-ending premise is half baked. Both the non-action threads are below par and make one wait patiently for the resumption of action.
The action scenes right from the start to the end are well done. The special effects are a little tacky in parts, but that’s not a real inconvenience. One overlooks them to see the larger picture. It is here that the movie really shines and delivers.
If you like action dramas with a bit of supernatural and fantasy elements thrown in, then Fistful Of Vengeance is right down your alley. Even if not, It is still watchable for fights alone, though. But, have few expectations with everything else.
Music and Other Departments?
Toby Cho provides a pulsating background score. The intention is to energise and that happens frequently. The director, Roel Reine also handles cinematography. It is good. A grandly mounted action fare impression is maintained for the most part. Michael England’s editing is fine. Despite so much action, he doesn’t go overboard concerning the flashiness. The writing should have been better.
Highlights?
Action Blocks
Casting
BGM
Drawbacks?
Weak And Muddled Story
Writing
Most (If Not All) Drama
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, Very Few Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, With Huge Reservations
Fistful of Vengeance Movie Review by Binged Bureau