Death Game is a captivating martial arts movie, which touches upon the evil side of humanity because of the ruthless Five Poisons Death Match wherein the victor takes a mountain of gold and the loser is killed. The novel portrays a mysterious vagrant, Lin Yun, and his crew on their way to overcome a row of cruel trials, which have their grounds in the sins of greed, anger, arrogance, mistrust and delusion. The movie is a masterpiece in its ability to combine the action with the deeper philosophical issues making the audience consider the issues of human actions. Every phase of the game is the metaphor of the devastating nature of the tendencies which may overcome individuals as the stakes are physical and psychological.
The movie has its strong side of its powerful characters and beautiful shots. The stoic but confused character of Lin Yun coupled with the interplay that occurs between his colleagues in the drama gives the story emotional undertones. The combat choreography is creative and organic that focuses on tactical prowess instead of physical power. Cinematography reflects the contrast of tranquility and violence of the battle, and a spooky theme contributes to the tension of the emotion. Design of production throws the viewers into the fantastic martial world, and the use of special effects is reasonable and adds the fantastical to the action taken on the ground, without overpowering the action.
The most striking thing was the way the film also addressed the few issues of justice, morality and inner power. These witty tricks of Lin Yun and Qiao Yu prove that hope and right are still able to win in the world of chaos and corruption. Although there are character development complications at points which at times overwhelm the screen, the film is in a satisfying combination of action, philosophy, and emotional depth. Death Game is a film that makes a profound impact with its provocative martial epic that emphasizes not only the struggle with the enemies, but the struggle with ourself.
