Last Knights

Director: Kazuaki Kiriya
Writers: Michael Konyves, Dove Sussman
Stars: Clive Owen, Morgan Freeman, Aksel Hennie
Strengths: Story and script
Weakness: Slow plot development and mediocre action/ visual effects
Runtime: 115 minutes
Rating: 3/5
Plot: A fallen warrior rises against a corrupt and sadistic ruler to avenge his dishonored master in a sword-clashing adventure of loyalty, honor, and vengeance.
Review:  This is not your summer blockbuster, so it makes sense that Last Knights has not made the headlines. The movie does not fit into the profile of a regular Hollywood or internationally successful movie since it takes a long time to set the stage. But if you are open to different storytelling, then this movie is to be loved. The initial setting takes about an hour but this lays a good foundation for the plot to continue. The story is great, and the acting is spot on. One might expect this to be an action movie given how the story unfolds, but at heart this is not an action movie. It's a story about honour and loyalty, and uses action only when necessary as part of the story. There is a lot of depth to both the story and characters. Both Clive Owen and Morgan Freeman gave wonderful performances and as someone who loves their movies I felt satisfied just to see them in these particular roles. Morgan Freeman plays Lord Bartok, who stands up to a corrupt minister of the Capital, leading to fatal results for himself and his clan. Clive Owen plays his retainer, Raiden, who becomes a fallen warrior after his master's passing. He rises against the corrupt and sadistic minister to avenge his dishonored master. The details of storming the castle are well choreographed. Seeing the shifts in Raiden's character from faithful retainer to lost soul to avenger was the most interesting part of the movie. Where the film falls short is really in the action choreography and special effects. We live in a world where sword fighting films have a lot of pressure to deliver in terms of special effects and fight choreography, after all, we have all seen Zack Snyder's '300' and its sequel. But, if you aren't primarily drawn to films for action, enjoy a good story and solid acting performances then don't Last Knights will be a pleasant experience for you.