OK, if you look online, the reviews are SO mixed. This isn't your typical Chinese ‘action’ film. I seriously recommend you first RENT the film out if you were contemplating on buying something as attractive looking as what some of the reviews/the cover suggests.
A friend of mine who works at a video store thought it was going to be an all-out action epic but found herself falling asleep with this. On the other hand, my next door neighbour who is more open to arthouse flicks called this ‘austere, hyper real journey, an epic poem… More like those Chinese Shakespearen remakes… Slow character building and tragedy’.
If you're expecting something predominantly action heavy like ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ or Jet Li/Jackie Chan-like (like what my friend at the video store friend expected) or even Zhang Yimou's action visual epic ‘Hero’ (which it may be closer to in costume and era…but much much much slower and with less less action), I seriously suggest you may look elsewhere. If you can tolerate slow pace art films with lots of contemplation, set against nice cinematography, brief bits of well choreographed action and beautiful costumes…I'm sure you will readily embrace this (like my neighbour).
I can watch it again but to be honest, I was not partial towards this Vendetta BRD release. The subtitles on this particular blu-ray disc are EMBEDDED/BURNT IN. I wanted to turn the subtitles off but COULD NOT and I find that an issue (especially since I'm Chinese myself).
Out of 5-stars- My video store friend didn't even want to give this 1 star. In contrast, my neighbour probably gives it a 4.75 out of 5 stars. I'm still divided but will watch again…which is good since it means I thought it still good enough to deserve another chance. I wouldn't rate this film low since I'm partial towards this type of film (though it was slower than I expected). I could give this between 3 to optimistically 4 stars… But with Vendetta's subtitles issue, I will give this 1 star less. If you don't have an issue with compulsory subtitles and you got past your initial rental viewing feeling profoundly inspired, then I can HIGHLY recommend that you buy this from Mighty Ape – because the service there is great! ;)