swordplay

By limiting swordplay to its most intense moments — Zelda must use a limted-time magical energy if she aims to dazzle with a blade — “Echoes of Wisdom” not only gives us greater character development but argues that the medium of play remains a joyously under-explored canvas.

The result is not only an inventive work — video games are almost always more interesting when they deviate from swordplay or gunplay — but one that aims to give its protagonist deep motivations, a reason to venture beyond her plush quarters.

After moving to the US she inspired a new generation of directors from East Asia to Hollywood to make female-driven swordplay films.

A compilation of small-screen anime action could theoretically work as a feature film, especially when the action is as rousing and well-realized as the ultraviolent, stylized swordplay depicted here — there’s some good demon slaying in “Demon Slayer.”

First dates on the grassy hill, jogging through the park and on to Fremont, listening to drum circles on a warm summer evening, grinning at the medieval knights and their swordplay tournaments.