Every story needs a hero

Rating: 7/10 (22 February 2015)

Every story needs a hero... This movie is told in a series of flashbacks through three people where each version is altered. Unfortunately it did not contain an important traditional Chinese element when the enemy is captured and then killed: severed the head which gets presented to the emperor. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Lost Bladesman (Guan Yun Chang)" 2011 which depicts this tradition. With each version depicted Broken Sword attempts to be closer and closer to the emperor at his throne. The costumes of characters at varying stages in the story line (red, green, white, and blue) symbolizes life's elements of passion, youth, truth, and love-- cleverly written and choreographed into film. The analogy of Chinese calligraphy with the sword are perfectly described as an art more than a crafted skill. The Chinese calligraphy are a beautiful art. The battle scenes are symmetrical almost like a dance, especially the fight scene over the lake with the sword blades piercing the calm water in stillness.
Overall, it is a good movie.