Is Thunderbolt Fantasy: Bewitching Melody of the West Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Thunderbolt Fantasy: Bewitching Melody of the West (2019), audiences are invited back into the world of Action, Drama, Fantasy, Adventure, Animation. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Làng Wū Yáo is a boy born with a supernatural singing voice. Secluded in the snowy mountains, he is put through severe training by his blind mother. Her wish is for her son's voice to be unrivaled, so that it will be heard by the imperial court. But the intense training results in a tragic accident, where she dies. Left an orphan as a result, Làng wanders the land. His voice is used as a tool by the wicked and greedy, with his heart being ground down in the process. Eventually his strange singing catches the ear of the princess of Xī Yōu, and Làng is elevated to the stage his mother had dreamt of. But what awaits him is a life or death battle performance against other musicians for the amusement of the members of the court."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Takanori Nishikawa does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Action. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Thunderbolt Fantasy: Bewitching Melody of the West worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Drama, Fantasy, Adventure, Animation films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Thunderbolt Fantasy: Bewitching Melody of the West is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 90 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.