BICHUNMOO (2000)

Starring : Kim Hee-Seon, Shin Hyeon-Jun, Jeong Jin-Yeong
Director : Kim Yeong-Jun

Brief Story:

The story takes place during the 14th century China when the country was under the rule of the Mongols. Jinha (Shin Hyeon-Jun) is an orphan studying a powerful martial arts form from his uncle, the Bichon sword arts. Sullie (Kim Hee-Seon) is the daughter of a respected Mongol general. Jinha and Sullie have known each other since their childhood and soon become lovers as they grow up. Unfortunately, Sullie has to leave Jinha and marry an wealthy swordsman. Jinha can't let this happen and wants to do something to prevent it, but his uncle will try to reason him and explain to him that he has to continue his training. Jinha tried to run away with Sullie leading to a very sad and dramatic turn of event.

{spoiler)

However, Jinha came back to pursue his revenge. With his group of swordsmen, Jinha slowly but swiftly punish those who deserves it. At the same time, we know that Jinha has been practicing the Bichun sword arts, the most powerful and seeked sword art. Jinha has to duel with the bad guy who seeks the Bichun sword art and try to steal back his love, Sullie. Will he succeed ? (I won't spoil it for you).
Review:

The movie has been compared to Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon many times before and it did try to recapture the success the previous in Korea and Asia. Bichunmoo is also a very wire-fu, with tons of swordplay, more than Crouching Tiger has to offer. However does it mean it's better than Crouching Tiger ? Can the South Koreans capture the magic of Wuxia movies portrayed for many years by Hongkong and Taiwan ?

(will be continued)