Is When Taekwondo Strikes Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1973)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of When Taekwondo Strikes (1973), audiences are invited back into the world of Action, Drama. 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. "The story is about the Japanese occupation of Korea during World War II. A Korean patriot played by Carter Wong gets into a fight with some Japanese people and is chased into a church. The priest there is captured and tortured. Trying to secure his release, the leader of the resistance, Jhoon Rhee is himself captured and tortured by the Japanese. Carter Wong, Angela Mao and Anne Winton have to now try and rescue him. This leads to an explosive climax with the heroes having to fight the likes of Wong In Sik (Hwang In-Shik), Sammo Hung and Kenji Kazama."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Angela Mao Ying shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. 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 When Taekwondo Strikes worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, When Taekwondo Strikes is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 96 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.