After watching Noyce's thriller masterpiece Dead Calm, this film is a welcome addition in the action thriller genre. The film is written by Charles Robert Carner(of Gymkata fame) and is a loosely based, modernized version of Zatoichi Challenged, the 17th film in the Japanese Zatoichi film series.
Actor Rutger Hauer plays Nick Parker, an American soldier serving in the Vietnam War, is blinded by a mortar explosion, and soon after rescued by local villagers, who help him recover his health. Although he remains blind, as a part of his recovery, he is taught by the local master to be an expert swordsman, and to train his other senses.
Years later, having returned to the United States, he visits old army-buddy Frank Deveraux (Terry O'Quinn), only to find that Deveraux is missing...
I've been a fan of Rutger Hauer ever since his Blade Runner days. Later He played an iconic role as the psychopathic killer in The Hitcher. In this film, since he plays a blind man, there are some scenes in the film which are very humorous. For example, in one scene he apparently tries to drive a van down a busy road. He hits a car and the driver of the car says, "Are you blind or what?". Hauer replies after staring at him through the window,"Yeah. Whats your excuse?"
The acting, action scenes, background sound effects and solid script make this film very watchable.
Notable actors in the film: Terry O'Quinn(The Stepfather 1 and 2) and Meg Foster(Ticket To Heaven, The Emerald Forest).
Verdict: A must buy film.
Other Hauer films to watch/buy: Ladyhawke(1985), Escape from Sobibor (1987), Salute of the Jugger(1989), Wedlock(1991), Split Second(1992), Surviving the Game (1994 - Excellent and must see.), Fatherland (1994).
I have seen the above films and recommend them highly. Add them to your shopping list.
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