#REVIEW: “LAST KNIGHTS”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Fans of Director Kazuaki Kiriya, will find that his latest effort Last Knights, feels rather familiar. His other two previous Films Goemon and Casshern are a cut from a similar cloth and appeal – a revenge Story with a gripping Third Act, although the Audience’s patience is tested a bit before the big payoff.

Last Knights is a Revenge Story that would have ended within 15 minutes if Raiden (Clive Owen) were not a true Hero, after being forced against his will to kill his  esteemed Master, Bartok (Morgan Freeman). Bartok had decided to do what was best for his People, refusing to abide by a new Proposal set out by Gezza Mott (Aksel Hennie). The Proposal made by Gezza Mott would ensure that Bartok’s People lose their land, something which he was not going to take sitting down. This leads to an altercation which  results in severe punishment, death, for Bartok. Raiden is compelled to avenge Bartok‘s death and let his legacy and values live on. In doing so he must take-down  the powerful Gezza Mott.

This Film indeed has some flaws, but it is the performance by Owen that makes the Movie watchable. The English Thespian delivers a great performance as Raiden, embodying pure fire as he sets out to seek revenge – something that has been missing in some of his more recent work.  That being said, Owen is asked to carry much of the weight on his own and even he alone cannot salvage the entire Film, which exerts prolonged effort in build-up and plotting against the corrupt Emperor. Freeman is underutilized beyond comprehension but cast perfectly, leaving a great impression.   Fans of Action will enjoy the well-choreographed and poetic Sword Fighting, somewhat reminiscent of Zhang Yi Mou’s Hero.

VVS Films release Last Knights on Video-on-Demand Friday April 3, 2015.