10 April 2012
Korean director Lee Myung-Se says he was most concerned with the movement and rhythm of this period martial arts drama.
Unfortunately his admittedly eloquent camera misses out on screenplay and character development in the process.
There is so much swishing about with visuals, as pretty undercover detective Namsoon (Has Jiwon) investigates the proliferation of counterfeit money by a corrupt power-broker, that you can barely discern what's going on.
The other leading character is Sad Eyes (Kang Dong-won), a swordsman with whom she duels and eventually falls in love.
It's all very beautiful, but fatally lacking in a proper dramatic thrust. I'm not surprised it died the death in Korea.
Duelist
Cert: 12A
