The Place For The Latest Movie Reviews
Cast: Chang Chen, Shu Qi, Zhou Yun, Tsumabuki Satoshi
Director: Hou Hsiao-Hsien
Back with his first film in 8 years, legendary Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien wowed this year's Cannes Film Festival (where he won Best Director) with his awe-inspiring THE ASSASSIN - a wondrous take on the traditional wuxia film. The story is simple, if elusive - in 9th-century China, Nie Yinniang is a young woman who was abducted in childhood from a decorated general and raised by a nun who trained her in the martial arts. After 13 years of exile, she is returned to the land of her birth as an exceptional assassin, with orders to kill her betrothed husband-to-be. She must confront her parents, her memories, and her long-repressed feelings in a choice to sacrifice the man she loves or break forever with the sacred way of the righteous assassins.
"The Assassin" is an award winning film that did very well at the Cannes Film Festival. The film has a few things going for it, the first thing you will notice is the cinematography which is simply beautiful. The film is breath taking to look at. And then there's the action scenes which are superbly done but there is not a lot of fights scenes in the movie. The film is not going to be for everyone, it is more an art-house film. The story is slow moving and Director, Hou Hsiao-Hsien's style of filming such as focusing on one person who is not doing anything at that moment can be a bit much for the average movie goer.
I really enjoyed the film but it was certainly different from I expected so know before seeing the film that patience is required. "The Assassin" is a film for lovers of cinema, it is an amazing piece of work but it is not for everyone.
Another thing I really enjoyed about the film was the cast, everyone did a great job but for me it was Shu Qi who really shined here as the lead actor. She has had a very good year with a few excellent roles. As always when it comes to Asian Cinema the film looks and sounds great, I can only imagine how amazing it must have looked on the big screen.
"The Assassin" is fun and full of style with gorgeous cinematography and terrific acting. If you are looking for a traditional martial arts film full of action look elsewhere but if you want to be a piece of brilliant film making then do yourself a favor and check this one out.
Available on Blu-ray and DVD with Special Features that include:
Original Language: Mandarin
Subtitle: French, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese
Behind The Scenes
Trailer
You can order the DVD HERE and the Blu-ray HERE.
Released by Well Go USA
**** Out Of *****