Review by Justin Bateman
Stars Aaron Kwok, Ekin Cheng, Kenny Ho, Nicholas Tse, Charlene Choi, Simon Yam | Written by Wing-Shing Ma
UK cert 12 | UK RRP £17.99 | DVD Region 2 | Runtime 105 mins | Directed by Oxide Pang Chun & Danny Pang
Ancient China. Wind (Cheng) and Cloud (Kwok) are the ultimate warriors with extraordinary powers. Their abilities mean they are able to keep the empire in equilibrium and harmony. But when a Japanese warlord called Lord Godless (Yam) invades and defeats China's leading swordsman, he takes on all his skills and becomes invincible. In order to gain power and defeat Godless to save the nation, Wind surrenders himself to evil. Cloud must now learn new skills, defeat the invading warlord and then wrestle Wind back to the side of good without killing him.
A sequel to the 1998 film, The Storm Riders, this 21st century is very much a special effects driven effort, combining the wirework of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with The Matrix-like visual trickery. There's no doubt that it's impressive to look at and the technical aspect is matched by the imagination of directors. The one-on-one battles are truly spectacular and their own way fascinating but character depth at a premium there's not quite enough else to cling onto which end up being a series of set pieces.
So while it's admirable from a visual perspective, ultimately it lacks any real depth or variation – there are only so many times two men atop a CGI mountain can hurl rocks and weapons at each other before it starts to drag. The Storm Warriors is well produced but in the end a clear case of style over substance.
EXTRAS ★★★ An impressive array of extras with "Making of" and Special Effects mini-features, a comprehensive Interview Gallery as well as a Trailer Gallery.