Hyeongsa

I walked into this movie knowing almost nothing about it except for a very basic synopsis that is nothing special and the knowledge that people either love it or hate it. I walked out of it, totally in love.

Duelist is a prime example of art film that doesn't try hard at pushing an elaborate story into its viewer. There is very little dialogue, barely enough to let us know what's going on, and most of the story is told via movements, lightings and music. Honestly I was kinda puzzled during the first half, not knowing where it was going, but the curiosity and Gang Dong-won being a feast to the eye made me stay. And I didn't regret any minute of it. The two leads have ridiculous chemistry and they totally compliment each other. My only issue with the processing is the excessive use of slow motion that time seems to flow differently in Duelist, but it also makes everything so pretty I'm not complaining.

Featuring one of the best soundtracks I have ever heard, being that the music is an essential part in leading the viewers, Duelist tells a love story through sword fights that look so passionate and intimate it's almost dancing. A brilliant visual feast, like a poem, it's peculiar and sometimes over-the-top theatrical, so it might not be everyone's cup of tea. I personally absolutely love it and have been raving about it to anyone who would listen. Try it yourself to find out which side you are on.