'' 14 Blades '' was nominated for Best Action Choreography and Best Sound Design at the 29th Hong Kong Film Awards . '' The China Post '' praised Donnie Yen 's acting ability and stated that the film was generally entertaining but criticised the action scenes , saying that " you never actually clearly see even one of the 14 blades . Unlike a really decent martial arts film , in which the battle scenes are well choreographed and you see the majority of the action , this film 's fight scenes were only dynamic . " Many reviewers also criticised the film 's heavy use of technology , including Kate Tsui 's clothes-shedding technique . '' Film Business Asia '' gave the film a six out of ten , stating that '' 14 Blades '' has a " script that becomes increasingly incoherent and restless editing that grows more and more distracting " and that the action scenes were " largely dependant on wire-fu and CG ... when Donnie Yen is allowed to show his skills properly ... '' 14 Blades '' starts to look like the film it could have been . " '' Variety '' called '' 14 Blades '' an " above-average martial-arts actioner that reinforces Donnie Yen 's " Man with No Name " ambience ... Despite the circumstances , Qiao Hua falls in love with her captor , a development made believable by Zhao 's warm and affecting perf . Yen 's Eastwood-like poise is used to good effect here , and the romantic tension keeps the narrative effectively taut between the battle sequences . " '' The Hollywood Reporter '' wrote that the film " would have ended a mediocre film if not for the inventively designed and utilized weaponry ( especially the titular 14 blades with different functions ) " and had mixed reaction to the acting in the film , asserting that Donnie Yen 's " stiff and steely demeanor actually works to his role 's favor . The love interest with Qiao Hua is lame , especially with Zhao sleepwalking through another typecast role as playful , tomboyish heroine . "
29th Hong Kong Film Awards
29th Hong Kong Film Awards
14 Blades