The Great Challenge (I Figli Del Vento)

[pro-bassoonist]

Julien Seri's Les fils du vent a.k.a The Great Challenge (Yamakasi vs. Ong Bak) (2004) is set to be released on January 28th. Courtesy of Koch Media.

Movieology:

There are several movies in this whole wide world of movie that I think were made for fans only. At least from their quality standpoint, only die-hard fans that would truly appreciate those films. Yup, yup, this action film called The Great Challenge or in its original title "Les Fils du Vent" is a sequel to the awe-inspiring movie Yamakasi. Yamakasi, a word that is also a name for a great bunch of men with extraordinary skills.

These dudes are now flying from their hometown in France for Bangkok, Thailand. In essence, their skills would be put to test with the local thugs and yakuza who have their own martial arts. Of course to cope with the yakuza's unique sets of skills, some of them learn new martial arts techniques from the locals (the good natives), such as Kick Boxing. With their Parkour and other form of martial arts, prepare to see some good 'ol kicking and punching.

This group from France first appeared on big screen in year 2001 with their movie entitled with the same name "Yamakasi", that although not that great of a movie, but its unique set of actions still amazes me until now. An action skill that's called Parkour (The art of movement), founded by one of the founder of the group, that's ironically is no longer with them, David Belle. They have the abilities like Ninja that could climb wall, run through obstacles, jump way faster than normal human being. Seriously, it's like they have springs on their feet, but they're not. Anyhow, just seeing their abilities is just like a wet dream for little boys.

Les Fils du Vent on the other hand, is not that surprising anymore. The audience already know their skills, thus lessen the good surprise factor. And the movie itself, well a truly mediocre one (below mediocre actually) that could only appeal (again) to 12-year old boys. But that is not to say that this movie is not worth to watch, well seeing those Frenchmen moving with great agility and guts high on an under-construction building among the scaffolds, and in other scene where they fight against soooo many bad guys with swords in a closed structure, whew....breath-taking. But that's it, it's breathtaking but soulless, it's just another testimony of their prowess. Recalling also their below-mediocre acting capacity, a kind of acting that is also far from emotional involvement.

The thing is, for action lovers, especially for them who really into martial arts, this is one movie not to be missed, especially for their astounding Parkour skill. For fans, it's mandatory to watch. For others, it's your call then.

Pro-B