Ernesto Diaz Espinoza and Marko Zaror, the duo behind the likes of ‘Mirageman’, ‘Kiltro’ and ‘Redeemer’, re-team once again for this somewhat philosophical ode to fight films of old.

A guardian (Zaror) of a sacred book that contains the ancient secrets of mythical martial arts (known as the Fist of the Condor) is forced out of hiding when multiple martial artists track him down with the intent of fighting him to the death to gain ownership of said book. It seems his twin brother (also Zaror) wants the book and has sent the world’s greatest fighters to best his brother. But having remained in solitude and chosen not to fight for almost 6 years, said guardian sets out on a path of revenge to stop his brother and his cache of fighters from gaining the secrets of the Fist of the Condor.

What sounds like a set-up for a fast and fun fight action is unfortunately rendered a little more mundane and po-faced. Nothing wrong with a serious fight film, but the ‘Fist of the Condor’ really wants to be a more philosophical approach to the fighting arts. While the film does deliver ample bouts of impressive fight action (and Zaror posing/executing finishing moves with a cool Condor-like pose!), the film gets a little bogged down in its own seriousness and slipshod back-and-forth timelines. Seemingly wanting to fill in the main character’s backstory, his training, and eventual fall-out with his twin brother, unfortunately robs the film of the momentum it needs, a stop-start effect marring proceedings.

Still, Marko Zaror is a formidable fight screen presence (and one of the unsung heroes in the epic ‘John Wick 4’, shining above a plethora of cool fight star cameos!), orchestrating and executing some powerful fight scenes. The action is what ultimately makes ‘Fist of the Condor’, despite its lofty ambitions, Zaror and the array of screen fighters pulling off some wickedly choreographed scraps. Shot, sharp, and free of any tricksy camera moves/editing, the fight scenes excel in showcasing the natural talents of the real-life martial artists.

Ernesto Diaz Espinoza and Marko Zaror have a certain style and shorthand, and it’s commendable that they go their own way with their films. Despite the low budget, ‘Fist of the Condor’ serves up some finely crafted screen combat that overcomes certain stylistic choices that may not be for everyone.