Fighting in the Temple

In the tumultuous era of feudal Japan, a disgraced samurai, Kenjiro, seeks redemption by protecting a sacred temple from a ruthless warlord. Haunted by his past failures, he must confront both external enemies and his own inner demons. Kenjiro finds an unlikely ally in a determined village healer, Hana, as they fight against overwhelming odds to preserve the temple's legacy and the peace of the surrounding land.

Fighting in the Temple received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its visceral action sequences and historical backdrop, though some noted pacing issues and a predictable narrative. Audiences generally responded well to the film's commitment to its martial arts elements and emotional core.

• Praised for its authentic and well-choreographed fight scenes that capture the spirit of samurai cinema.

• Appreciated for its atmospheric cinematography and immersive depiction of historical Japan.

• Criticized by some for predictable plot twists and underdeveloped supporting characters.

Google audience: Audiences largely enjoyed the film's action and historical setting, with many finding the main characters' journey compelling. Some viewers felt the story could have been more original, but the visual spectacle and martial arts choreography were frequently highlighted as strong points.

Nominated for Best Action Sequence at the Golden Globe Awards (2024).

The film's lead actor, Marcus Reigns, trained for over a year in various traditional Japanese martial arts, including Kenjutsu and Iaido, to prepare for his role.