Co-written and directed by Jonathan English, Ironclad: Battle for Blood (2014) is the action-fueled sequel to his 2011 film, Ironclad. The story takes place in 1220, five years after the siege at Rochester Castle… without protection from the crown, nobles are forced to hire fighters to fend off raids by warring Scottish clans. One bloody scene after another unfolds, as a family battles to protect their castle. The costumes and set designs are well-thought and reflect medieval style and materials. The cinematography, however, is terrible. Shaky, "handheld" style shots are distracting, adding nothing to the period atmosphere and the lighting is bland throughout. The cast of relative unknowns does a good job with the script, including Roxanne McKee, Michelle Fairley, Danny Webb and Tom Austen. Watch the first film a second time instead of viewing this one.
