The Princess (2022) - The Perfect Action Movie - 10/10 (07/02/24)

Do you remember Indonesian action thriller The Raid that portrays how a squad of twenty men attempts to raid an apartment block to arrest a naughty crime lord? Well, The Princess has a very similar premise. Except that it's one young woman instead of twenty man and that she is trying to get from the top of a tower to the bottom in order to save her imprisoned family members and stop the dangerous sociopath who attempted to force her into marriage.

I have read and heard what many critics have been writing and saying about this film. It asks for a complete suspension of disbelief. Check. The story is easily predictable. Check. Casting a rather small and slim actress as a strong martial artist might be questionable. Check.

However, despite such obvious flaws, The Princess is one of the very best contemporary action movies. First and foremost, this film entertains from start to finish and doesn't include one single second of boredom. This is a wild ride of ninety-four minutes and once it's over, you just can't wait to experience it time and again.

As for the story, this movie keeps things simple and focuses on topics that most viewers will easily empathize with. The Princess focuses on a lead character protecting her family and stopping those who have been doing them wrong in terrible ways. Certainly, this kind of movie won't qualify for nominations at the Academy Awards but viewers don't always need profound, serious and thought-provoking ideas to get involved. Rooting for the sympathetic lead character is all that is needed to carry this explosive feature.

Up next, the costumes, make-up and settings are absolutely spectacular. The castle where the entire story takes place is filled with beautiful bedrooms, impressive churches and dark dungeons. The way the lead character is dressed, the looks of her allies and the manner how her brutal opponents appear have been planned and executed with care, intellect and precision.

The fighting scenes are absolutely spectacular and can compete with contemporary action franchises such as John Wick. This movie features excellent use of martial arts techniques. It includes a clever use of dangerous weapons and improvised tools. Spectacular chases and risky jumps will keep viewers out of breath.

The acting performances are excellent. One must particularly point out the outstanding job by lead actress Joey King. She has been a rising and shining star in the last few years, convincing in low-budget horror films like Slender Man, impressing among multiple international stars as villainess in Bullet Ride and now delivering the goods as brave, clever and resilient heroine who will fight the world in order to protect her family and save her kingdom. The lead character's ideas, motivations and struggles are believable thanks to a disciplined, empathic and powerful performance by Joey King. Let's not forget that she was only twenty-two years old when this movie was made and released. She is already one of the greatest young actresses in the business and here's hope that she will continue her excellent work throughout the next years.

At the end of the day, The Princess is a wonderful action film with excellent pace, fitting story, imaginative settings, impressive fight choreographies and convincing acting performances. This film's strengths are so strong that minor flaws such as unrealistic plot elements, predictable story and surprising casting choices won't harm the final result in the slightest. The Princess offers a maximum of enjoyment and is a perfect candidate for a movie night with family and friends.