Review of 'Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire'
On the back-water moon of Veldt sadistic admiral Atticus Noble (Ed Skrein) of the Imperium demands a small farming community provide his troops with their harvest. Farmer Gunnar (Michiel Huisman) and villager Kora (Sofia Boutella) travel to the port town of Providence to recruit soldiers to defend their community. During the trip Kora reveals that she used to be an Imperium solider but was disgraced when the Imperium royal family was assassinated while under her care. At Providence they meet smuggler Kai (Charlie Hunnam) who agrees to help them recruit Titus (Djimon Hounsou), a former Imperium admiral. Finding Titus in a drunken stupor the group sober him up and go in search of additional warriors including beast trainer Tarak (Staz Nair), swordsman Nemesis and, finally, Darrian (Ray Fisher), co-leader of a band of rebels. Will this small band prove to be a match for the almighty Imperium?
Yes, that's right, it is Seven Samurai, yet again, in space - An oppressed farming community being oppressed by bad guys looking to hire an army to defend them. Sorry, all the time I was watching this is what I was thinking which is a bit of a disappointment given all the hype for this epic “space opera” from the master of epics (see his 214 minute “Justice League” cut). It would have been nice to see something a bit different rather than such an obvious retelling of the classic Japanese film. Despite this, the film does look quite good with some innovative action sequences (particularly the climax battle on a very rainy metal spire floating in air) and a plot that leaves the door wide open for the upcoming sequel(s?). It does also tend to go on and on without going too far other than yet another piece of eye candy or some more shoot-'m-up action.
Very much liked the character of the friendly Imperium robot “Jimmy” which is voiced by Anthony Hopkins (the biggest name in the cast) but, sadly, he takes no part in the film beyond the first half. Other performances are largely un-notable but perfectly fine as far as it goes.
Ok, but disappointing from Zack Snyder. Will be interesting to see what the next film is like.
Rating: “A bit better than average”
Review Date: 2024-01-28
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Studio: Grand Electric
Year: 2023
Length: 133 minutes
Genre: Science Fiction
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14998742/
Other reviewed films by Zack Snyder:
- 300 (2006)
- Justice League (2017)
- Army of the Dead (2021)