Even for this genre, X is exceptionally gory. And yes, over-the-top fights are what you expect as a viewer - and you get plenty of them here.
But beyond that, what motivates the story? Why should a viewer sympathize with any character, why stick around except to see the next fight?
This film actually has a very viable backstory for one of the main characters, and this is also shown in scenic flashbacks.
But unfortunately it leaves it at that. What is the benefit of having the top bunch of Triad fighters wipe each other out (plus an estimated thousand mooks) remains unclear. What's all this about? What kind of plan, what strange intrigue is behind it? On the one hand, there was a lot of emotional drama built up for motivation, but unfortunately it falls completely flat.
And Iko Uwais is kind of a star for this genre; and he is certainly a master of his martial arts. He also had the opportunity to act in this film; but if he can do that too, he hasn't shown it.
So if you just want to see the very bloody fights, then you'll be well served here. (And the score would be 7/8 for that.)
However, if you ask yourself afterwards: was this film worth your lifetime to have seen it? Then my judgement is: on the brink. You can skip seeing this without having missed anything.
