MUSA
An Epic Saga like none Hollywood has put out in years(exception - The Last Samurai). Won International awards in 2001, I believe.
Synopsis: The story is fiction but has its basis in history. Hundreds of years ago in China, the Ming Dynasty was established and they (the newly established Dynasty) were in the process of pushing the Mongols out of China. Korea was attempting to establish diplomatic ties with the Ming Dynasty and had dispatched a total of four emissary groups to China. Only three ever returned. This is the story of that fourth group - the one that was never heard from again. Features top acting from a top cast of Chinese and Korean actors including the star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Zhang Ziyi - the gem of China. She will steal your heart in the end. Some of the best choreography, cinematography, story and acting of any film. While it is filled with many battle scenes - they were all central to the story and very well done. The movie involves Heroism, Love, Loyalty, Honor, Friendship and ultimately heart wrenching sacrifice all supplemented with beautiful music and scenery. Themes that Hollywood seems to have forgotten except for the excellent movie: The Last Samurai.
Basic Story: It starts with the last Emissary group arriving in China only to be accused of being spies and exiled to the Gobi desert. While in transit, their captors are killed by a roving troop of Mongols and they are left to fend for themselves. They later come across a separate Mongol group that had captured a Chinese princess. The Koreans battle the Mongols, free the princess and attempt to return her to safety in China. The rest of the movie involves their hasty retreat across the desert with the Mongols close behind and climaxes in a final epic battle at a deserted fortress. The many well played characters are brought to life and have you identifying with each - at times despising some, but ultimately loving them all. The battle scenes are especially well done as the excellent musical score stirs your heart to heroic levels. This movie sets itself apart from the often times clownish Kung Fu films that have the actors flying through the air while performing meaningless acrobatics - the fight choreography in Musa is very realistic and the actors highly skilled. The name Musa means warrior. Highly recommended - I am saving my copy for my son - when he is old enough to appreciate the meaning of Courage and Honor.
