KnotStronger
This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.
Invaderbank
The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.
Lidia Draper
Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.
trungnamtran
I am so impressed with this movie! The casts were awesome with top notch and real action. All the kungfu was much much better than expected and felt so real! The story was evolving with nice twists. Who would have thought that it is such a great movie from rather low budget film. So much admiration for the crew and love Johnny Tri Nguyen and Ngo Thanh Van. Excellent film that I haven't seen for a long time! Ngo Thanh Van acted brilliantly, not just with her jaw dropping kicks but also her talking eyes. I felt the heat, the hatred, the desire....in her eyes. Dustin Nguyen also had an excellent performance. I think this is a great success and an A+++ action drama film from Vietnam
ericthered01
Imagine the action of Ong Bak combined with a good story about the french occupation of Vietnam in the 1920's and you will get a feel for the film "The Rebel" starring Johnny Nguyen and Veronica Ngo. Nguyen stars as an agent taking out his own country's people that are fighting for freedom but eventually has a change of heart. This movie has hard hitting and acrobatic fight scenes similar to what we have seen coming out of Thailand recently. What's surprising here is that the story, acting, and cinematography are just as impressive as the fight scenes. You actually care what happens to these characters. This film marks an impressive debut for Veronica Ngo. You would never know that she had no martial arts background before preparing for this role. Very reminiscent of a young Michelle Yeoh. Johnny Nguyen is impressive in the lead as well. You may recognize him from the Tony Jaa film "The Protector aka Tom Yum Goong". "The Rebel" is both beautiful and brutal in the best way possible. Highly recommended.
ruhi-yaman
The most expensive Vietnamese film ever (it cost USD3 million to make - probably the lunch budget of Stallone's Rambo) is a rousing action/romance expertly directed by the Vietnamese/American filmmaker Charlie Nguyen. The old-fashioned story is about the 1922 rebellion against French colonialists and follows a familiar but pleasing path. However, if you are a martial arts fan, the film will be of particular interest for its excellent action scenes featuring little known Vietnamese martial art, Vo Thuat. Originally based on Northern Chinese Wushu (Chinese were the first superpower to invade this luckless land), Vietnamese martial arts system has developed incorporating the elements from the fighting styles of neigbouring countries. For many centuries it was the main form of defense for these people because their invaders (Chinese, French, Japanese) stripped them of all weapons. Both leads Johnnie Nguyen and the gorgeous actor/singer/model Vo Thanh Thuy are accomplished practitioners of the style and their prowess is obvious in the film. Dustin Nguyen (no relation, every second person is called Nguyen in Vietnam) makes a worthy villain with his own expertise in various Asian styles.A must for martial arts fans. It will also be enjoyed by those who like a rousing action/romance.
catohcat
I saw this movie left on a movie shelf and bought it just out of my curiosity. However, this movie turns to be a amazing action/drama/love story which i haven't seen for so many years from Vietnam. The action scenes are much more reality and intense than nowadays Chinese Kungfus. The story line is quite good which brings you back to year 1920s where Vietnam was ruled by French. The building & stuffs are definitely those furniture 90 years ago. Doubt the team did a good research job. The acting is very good for all actors, especially the bad side haha. However I feel that the English subtitle is short and can not deliver the whole movie's plot. But who cares, thumbs for the action! Highly recommended!
