I think with a lot of time, more resources, a bigger budget, and a feature length, director Juliane Block is capable directing and creating a modern martial arts masterpiece. Because if you watch "Ramly at War Begins" you'll discover that Block knows exactly what the hell she's doing both on-screen and behind the camera. She's able to compress a full fledged story that acts as a prologue to a wider narrative, family dynamic, rich complex characters, and very sharply edited martial arts sequences in barely twenty minutes, and I was so engrossed through most of the film that I could have sat there for two hours and not noticed the time passing. Action movies are some of the most difficult genres to tack on to mini-budget productions in a short time span and regardless of how talented a director is, most of the times the ultimate product can be a complete misfire. "Ramly at War Begins" has unabashed ambition to be only one part of a humongous trilogy with an epic scope and director Block provides us with that glimpse that allows us to see what she is capable of for action audiences and simultaneously offering anyone a chance who is interested in funding a bigger film with the same plot.

Bong Cheng Tzuu is fantastic as Ah Quen, a tough and silent soldier who is forced to deal with two lecherous little brothers, both of whom never hesitate to live off of what's his and rely on him for everything from shelter to literally taking food from his own hands. When his brother Ming gets in trouble with the rival gang, it's up to Ah Quen to retrieve him. But he's faced with a dilemma. He has to allow Ming to die and continue with the mission because if a soldier is caught they're deemed traitors. But if he goes to save his brother's life, he'll be deemed a traitor as well and there's a war that will ensue for Ah Quen and his two ratty brothers. Decisions, decisions. Any director with only twenty minutes would use this film as an excuse to show they can edit and display action sequences and nothing more. But in spite of my reservations, "Ramly At War Begins" actually has a great story, one with immense potential to provide all sorts of thrills for the action buffs and genuine storytelling for those of us who appreciate actual dimensions with their action heroes.

Juliane Block is a marvelous director and I hope "Ramly at War Begins" proves to be very successful for her in the future. In spite of my hesitation going in to "Ramly at War Begins," Block composes a short film that is action packed, superbly directed, well written and features a variety of kick ass action and solid performances.

• Help fund Mrs. Block's next short film through ad revenues by watching "Ramly at War Begins" here: http://www.ramlyatwartv.com/