The Empty Hands
The Empty Hands

The Empty Hands

2017Movie87 minCantonese

Mari Hirakawa is a woman who inherits her father's karate dojo. However, she finds out that Chan Keung, her father's former student, is also its heir and they fight to determine its sole owner.

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Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users85%
Director: Joshua von BrownGenres: Drama, Crime, Action

Plot Summary

In the aftermath of his brother's violent death, a young man seeks solace and answers in the disciplined world of traditional martial arts. He finds himself drawn into a dangerous underworld, forcing him to confront his own rage and the true meaning of strength. As he trains, he uncovers a conspiracy that goes deeper than he ever imagined.

Critical Reception

The Empty Hands garnered a mixed to positive reception, with critics often praising its ambition and visual style, though some found the pacing and narrative slightly uneven. Audiences generally appreciated the blend of action and emotional depth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually striking with intense, well-choreographed fight sequences.
  • The film's exploration of grief and discipline is compelling.
  • Some viewers found the plot convoluted, detracting from the emotional core.

Google audience: Google users frequently commended the film's authentic martial arts choreography and the emotional resonance of the protagonist's journey. Some noted that while the story had moments of brilliance, it occasionally felt predictable.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Action Sequence at the Action On Film International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Joshua von Brown, who also stars as the lead, spent over two years training in traditional Japanese Karate to prepare for the role and choreograph the fight scenes.

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