"Knights of the Zodiac" (2023) is an epic action-fantasy film adapted from the legendary Saint Seiya manga/anime series by Masami Kurumada. Directed by Tomasz Bagiลski, the film stars Mackenyu, Madison Iseman, Diego Tinoco, Mark Dacascos, Nick Stahl, Famke Janssen, and Sean Bean.
Plot Summary:
Seiya (Mackenyu) is a young street fighter who earns a living through underground matches while relentlessly searching for his lost sister. Though strong and resilient, he remains unaware of the immense power hidden within him. During one fateful fight, Seiya unknowingly awakens "Cosmo"โa mysterious energy that only chosen warriors can harness. This unexpected revelation thrusts him into an ancient conflict he never anticipated.
At the heart of this struggle is Sienna (Madison Iseman), the reincarnation of the goddess Athena. She possesses extraordinary abilities, but her powers remain unstable, making her a target for various formidable forces. Among them is Guraad (Famke Janssen), the leader of a secretive organization that believes Athena is a threat to humanity and must be eliminated before she fully awakens.
Recognizing Seiyaโs untapped potential, Alman Kiddo (Sean Bean), a former Knight of the Zodiac, takes him under his wing and begins training him to become a legendary warrior tasked with protecting Athena and maintaining peace in the world. Under Kiddoโs guidance and with support from other Zodiac Knights, Seiya embarks on an arduous journey of self-discovery, learning to control his Cosmo and embrace his destiny.
However, Seiyaโs path is fraught with challenges, not only from the grueling training but also from relentless attacks by those who seek to prevent him from fulfilling his purpose. Among his adversaries is Nero (Diego Tinoco), a powerful fighter sent to stop him at all costs. As Seiya fights to survive, secrets about Athena, the Zodiac Knights, and even his own past begin to unravel, forcing him to confront difficult choices about loyalty, fate, and sacrifice.
The film delivers exhilarating battle sequences enhanced by stunning visual effects, bringing iconic techniques like the Pegasus Meteor Fist to life while delving deeper into the lore of the Zodiac Knights. Seiyaโs journey is not just about protecting Athena but also about discovering his true self, understanding the meaning of his power, and embracing his destiny.
Blending action, fantasy, and mythology, Knights of the Zodiac transports audiences into a mystical world, where courage, friendship, and faith determine the fate of the universe.