Synopsis
Imagine the incredible feat of feet smashing a flying rock and the “chi”-charged hand motion splitting towering waves. A vast, cathartic world of martial arts is re-invented as an animation film Storm Rider: Clash of Evils. Based on the popular original manga series “Storm Riders” by Hong Kong-based MA Wing Shing, the film weaves a post-revenge-era story about the main characters Wind (ù¦) and Cloud (ê£). Given the real challenge of re-creating the original which amounts to a few dozen volumes into a single animation film, it is understandable that the screen version has considerable omissions, gaps, and imperfections in character-building, relationship description, and plot development. But the film’s 10-billion-won production funds and five years of dedicated production work do deliver — incredible graphics and magnetic action, among other things. The amazingly real-like animation offers one-of-a-kind visual experience and pleasure, not to mention brilliant special effects, exquisite drawings, and signature animation imagination, as the film portrays adventures of the martial arts masters. Plus, you can enjoy the Chinese dubbing, showcasing voices of action stars such as Nicholas TSE and Richie REN, adding another dimension to the fine animation work. (MO Eun Young)