Extending its franchise on Celtic Tribes vs English Lords, the movie Ironclad: Battle for Blood gets a chance at home video on Blu-ray and DVD. The sequel to the successful Ironclad takes over following the conclusion of the siege on Rochester Castle. The brutality and vicious fighting dominates this installment and provides a niche for adrenaline seekers. While the story may be a bit ordinary, the action does elevate the film to above average.
It’s the year 1221 and Celtic Tribesmen are on a rampage along the border between England and Scotland. Raping, pillaging and destroying outlining English villages, their minds are fixed on taking down the de Vesci Castle owned by King Gilbert (David Rintoul). Built on the top of a small mountain, the castle has a good view of the forests that surround it. Lead by Maddog (Predrag Bjelac) and his small army of Scots, the group is nearing the castle, but word has spread that they are coming to conquer. Sneaking through a back exit, King Gilbert’s son Prince Hubert (Tom Rhys Harries) finds his way to his cousin Guy (Tom Austen) and hires him and three of the best mercenaries for help.
Arriving at the castle and unbeknownst by his father, Maddog’s son sneaks into the fortress to do mortal damage, but gets killed. Filled with rage and wanting revenge for his son’s death Maddog intends to not only take the castle, but kill everyone in it. When the battle begins, the de Vesci’s keep the Scots at bay with their small band of guard and the mercenaries, but when the tide starts to turn all hell breaks loose.
Director and writer Jonathan English who brought the first of this sequel to the screen takes little time to introduce his main characters and work them into the plot. While developing the characters he inserts a lot of fighting action to show the abilities of the mercenaries. He does this very well, enough to get a good connection to the cool fighters and at least form an attachment. His battles are fierce, bloody and vindictive killing with abandoned on both sides as heads roll, bodies are hung and torsos get sliced.
The main players include Berenger (David Caves) a battle worthy friend of Guy, Pierrepoint (Andy Beckwith) the town executioner and Crazy Mary (Twinnie Lee Moore) a reckless killer who takes on the job of mercenary to escape a quick death by the executioner. The killing quartet is at the top of their game and mercilessly fights off their opponents with brutal force. Prince Hubert has not had experience on the battlefield, but learns fast finding himself up against some of the best. But his cousin Guy knows how to sword fight best and keeps the castle from immediate harm.
The cinematography does have a few drawbacks, but if you are now immune to the shaky cam that’s used in most every American action movie, then it won’t be a problem. The dark shots are a bit too gloomy and dull some of the action. While Jonathan English does do a very good job of the exterior shots, especially the storming of the castle, he could have used more elaborate lighting with some of the character development scenes within the castle. The film however, may look a lot better on Blu-ray, but this critique is based on the DVD that was sent for review.
The bonus feature is called “Behind the Blood” and features some of the cast, writer and director who go over their roles in a mini ‘Making of.’ The fifteen minute extra gives a more in depth look at the characters and shows how some of the fighting was choreographed.
Ironclad: Battle for Blood has not been rated by the MPAA, but does contain violence, gore, nudity and sex. Be cautious not to allow immature children see the film as it does have some sexual scenes that are inappropriate for adolescents.
Specifications and additional film information:
- Cast: Michelle Fairley, Tom Austen, Tom Rhys Harries, Roxanne McKee, Rosie Day, Predrag Bjelac, Andy Beckwith
- Director: Jonathan English
- MPAA Rating: Unrated, contains Violence
- Genre: Action,Adventure
- Running Time: 1 hr 48 min
- Video Release Date: August 5, 2014
- Original Film Release Date: July 25, 2014
- Language: English
- Format: DVD, Also available in Blu-ray
- Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital
- Video: Widescreen, 16×9
- Subtitles: None
- Number of Discs: 1 Disc
- Distributed by: XLrator Media
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
