The Sword and the Style: A Review of Iron Mask
Iron Mask (2023)
Directed by Kim Sung-hwan
Starring Joo Jong-hyuk, Moon Jin-Seung and Jang Joon-hwi
As viewed at the 50th Annual Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
I love style. I love elaborate shots and movie magic. It could be a simple rack focus or an elaborate lighting technique. When they’re done well, I love them all. But there has to be some substance behind it or it just feels flashy. More importantly, the substance has to make me feel something.
Kim Sung-hwan’s glossy film Iron Mask has a compelling premise that gives viewers a glimpse into the world of kendo. When Jae-woo (Joo Jong-hyuk) battles his way onto the Korean national kendo team, he discovers his main competition is the man who accidentally killed his brother. And that man is seemingly invincible. Like I said, it’s a compelling premise.
The film is also quite surreal. Dreams and dream-like techniques are utilized throughout. I didn’t know what to expect, but surrealism certainly wasn’t on the short list. I love this style of filmmaking, where classic tropes of dreaming and the unconscious significantly influence the story. However, I’m not convinced they were effectively utilized in the Iron Mask.
I am ignorant of the sport of kendo. So, I was intrigued to learn more. Turns out it’s a highly ritualized sport, and the film accentuates this. Kendo is also very visceral, which makes for powerful symbolism. It’s essentially samurai practice, and the main character finds himself pitted against someone who becomes the focus of all his rage. It’s like pretending to fight your mortal enemy. And it’s a recipe for tension.
The sparring matches in Iron Mask are well choreographed and the editing has a calligraphy-like feel to it. Quick clips felt like brushstrokes, and the various styles used for coverage added a sort of “flick of the wrist” to each image. Even the sound design is highly stylized and effective. Kendo could be boring to the uninitiated, but Sung-hwan’s style gives each battle an intensity that kept me engaged.
What didn’t engage me was the back story. I don’t wanna ruin anyone’s experience. So, I will simply say that something in the substance wasn’t right. Something was off, and I’m not sure exactly what.
I can’t deny that Iron Mask is a well-made film. It boasts great style and technical proficiency. However, proficiency and emotional impact are distinctly separate, and this film exemplifies that divide.