Fascinating and under-rated film...

I had never heard of this film before. It never seems to play on the tele, and it certainly never popped up in queue for the streaming services I sometimes use.

Interestingly enough, I only came across this film because someone mentioned it in a review of another movie starring Eric Roberts (which seems to be the way some of his lesser known films get around to those fascinated by his work, or lack thereof).

This film was definitely a 1990s film, and shockingly so given that most films at the start of the decade still feel as if they're well-worn on the decade prior. Yet here, other than the big hair, the film seemed to embrace the 90s in all its New York grandeur with ease.

Even more than that I was shocked at how relatable, down-to-Earth, and realistic the movie was. No big chases or over-dramatic blowouts (save the final fight at the end, which obviously had to happen as a payoff for the audience's crave for the duel the movie had been teasing all along).

I'm no sword expert, but the HEMA nerds who constantly rag on every other sword fight in every other movie about sword fights would probably like the more realistic portrayals of the combat during the tournament sequences, while those of us who prefer the classical portrayal of Hollywood fights have the final duel to sate our thirst.

The contrast between the styles (the classical, romantic style Suba uses and the modern style of hopping around to score a quick hit at the expense of any sort of actual swordplay) was highlighted well. It felt like the movie could have been a bit longer, and wrapped itself up rather quickly at the end, but it was very entertaining for what it is.

It's weird how Eric Roberts put so much into this role -- he came across as very studious and had the gait of retired ballet dancer. Yet this movie basically came out and died on the market.

One day I'll deep dive into what was up with his career and why it had the strange arc it did leading into the 1990s.