Synopsis
The three ways to approach "The Storm Riders" First, as a chivalry story. The story of this film abides by the tradition of literature that deals with chivalrous people who are armed with a high level of martial art. From the hegemony struggle between the chivalrous groups, the confrontation between the supreme leaders, revenge and causes and effects, the loyalty among people from the same group, to romance that makes the film spicy, this film has an encyclopaedic offering of characteristics of chivalry stories. Therefore, those who are familiar with chivalry novels or video series wouldn't find it difficult to figure out what's going on despite the numerous characters and complicated story. To summarize the story for those who are not familiar with this kind is almost impossible, for "The Storm Riders" itself is a condensation of scores of chivalry novels. Second, as a game. Although it is based on chivalry stories, this film is distinctly different from other such movies. The remarkably speedy development of the story, the image flashing like an exhibition of special effects, the set and costume which are found in a science fiction, all these reveal the strong will to produce a new genre. And the target audience of this brand new genre should be the new generation who are bent on computer games. How about calling this new genre the "chivalry fantasy for computer game generation?" Third, from the point of special digital effects. This film can be viewed as a great achievement the Asian film circles have garnered at this point, the end of 1998, or as an example of digital technology on its introductory level, several steps behind that of the Hollywood. Anyway, the film shows various results that may stem from the combination of digital technology and what could be called an "Asian content." In this sense, this movie is located not far from the point where the Korean film industry is agonizing.