My Favorite Movies

I have a soft spot for films that are underrated and forgotten. For what it's worth, it seems like they really tried to have some heart & soul in this one amidst the terribly 80s soundtrack and comical villains.

Looking past its faults -a good idea in general movie enjoyment- you have an interesting story (which until recently I was unaware it borrowed heavily from "Zatoichi" which I haven't seen) about a soldier who in vietnam is abandoned by his friend in the face of an ambush that leaves him blind. Wandering through the jungle he finds refuge with a tribal people and is taught the sword, comes to America to find his friend.

Firstly, if anyone but Rutger played this role the movie would have been a turd, I'll admit that much. But, consequently I think he held it up as a believable moody protagonist, and pulled off some real depth. The kid was slightly annoying, but he ruled in "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane" so I was able to forgive it, plus any kid would be a little screwy in the circumstances of the film.

Terry O' Quinn was the films 2nd saving grace. His remorse and straightforward performance was crutial in order to feel for his kid and be Rutger's ultimate motivation to slice and dice the villains.

I found most of the swordplay gags to be clever and well executed. I thought in particular the cornfield being a sort of "Mutara Nebula" of sorts evening the playing field was well conceived. Also noteworthy was the lights-out sequence where Rutger is allowed to unleash on a room full of dudes in the dark, very satisfying.

And the idea of pitting him against an expert swordsman that can see was tense, and I thought the outcome was decent.

All in all I remember sections of this film were done poorly, but the majority of the film was solid, entertaining, and well done.

The Gump made me cry like a baby in the theater.