House of Flying Daggers
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Movie Reviews of House of Flying Daggers
Movie Review: More Romance Than 'Hero' and More Beauty of Zhang Ziyi
Summary: 5 Stars
Soon following the success of 'Hero,' director Yimou Zhang made another film featuring beautiful Zhang Ziyi. One of the good news for Zhang Ziyi fans (including me) is that 'House of Flying Daggers' features her almost all through the film. And this time director's stress is clearly given to the romantic side of the story -- and as if to match his intention, 'House' looks more beautiful, colorful, and gorgeous, than 'Hero.' And there are actions, and some of them are quite unique.
The film is set in 859 AD, last days of the now corrupt Tang Dynasty in China. One underground sect called House of Flying Daggers are openly challenging the authority of the government, and to crush these rebels, two officers Jin -- also known 'The Wind' (Takeshi Kaneshiro, 'Chunking Express') and Leo (Andy Lau, 'Infernal Affairs') think of a good plan.
Jin goes to meet a blind courtesan Mei (Zhang Ziyi), who is suspected to be connected with the secret clan, and he gains the confidence of this beautiful dancer by some tricks -- tricks meaning 'love.' Make her love you, and you get her secret. Hopefully she will lead Jin to the hiding place of the 'House of Flying Daggers,' but before the plan starts, Leo warns Jin: 'Don't fall in love for real.' But who can resist Mei's beauty? Or Zhang Ziyi's for that matter?
The rest of the story is very melodramatic, and the film sometimes needs a good amount of suspension of disbelief (especially for Western audiences, I'm afraid). But, though melodramatic, it is aptly so, as this is basically about a romance, or a love story. Those who love the romantic mood in films would understand what I say. It's all about the tension and mood, and 'House' has lots of them.
Actions are done by Tony Ching Siu-Tung, whose CV includes the action director of 'A Chinese Ghost Story.' He gives superb martial arts actions here again, without using too much of now-too-trendy wire actions. As the film title shows, there are some effectively shot scenes of 'flying daggers' which, with a good use of CGIs, gives a few of thrilling moments. And like I said before, the battles in the midst of a deep bamboo forest are not to be missed, if you are a real Hong-Kong film fan.
Costumes are provided by Emi Wada (as in 'Hero'), whose colorful dresses are just wonderful. Particlularly those long-sleeved dancing costumes for Zhang Ziyi not merely enhance the exotic beauty of the dancer, but things to be treasured on their own merit. And Kathleen Battle sings the theme song at the end of the film.
But first and foremost, to me, the film is made for Zhang Ziyi. Did I say she is beautiful? She is, and breathtakingly so, when her character betrays her hidden emotions before the camera. And sometimes the film reveals the character's very sensual side -- I say, for a Chinese film, of course, but it was a little surprising.
Of course, top-credited Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro are the stars, and they are very good. The film is always beautiful to see, from the first to the end (the snow field was shot in Ukraine). And if you're a fan of Zhang Ziyi, this one is not to be missed for it's not too much to say that it belongs to her.
Movie Review: must see!
Summary: 5 Stars
Looking beyond the breathtaking cinematography, this is STILL a great film. I do not review movie. But this work deserves better than most critics believe.
Myth: every movie should have plot, character development, great cinematography, action, theme, the whole shabang. It's a 2hrs film, give me a break. I'd rather see a film that focuses on a few elements and makes them really shine than to see one that TRIES to be everything and accomplishes nothing.
Story: Read from the movie's official site.
Character development: lots of critics compliant about the lack of character development in this film. This steams mainly from the writer's unfamiliarity with the Chinese culture. It's impossible to explain 5000 years of character development to a foreigner in a 2-hour time frame. Chinese is a very succinct. In order to get the character, one has to pay attention to what they DIDN'T say, read between lines. This is fortunate for the American audience since most of what they did say was lost in translation anyway. The characters and their roles in the film were very vivid to me. This is especially true in Zhang JiYi's role. Though belonged to a clan of assassins she's not valued in the clan for her fighting abilities, but rather, being used as a sexual tool against men in and outside the clan. Even though she didn't love Leo, she stayed because of her respect for Leo (an accomplished agent) and loyalty to her clan. Her own personality/individuality was suppressed by her upbringing and social pressure. Very typical of Chinese females. But when Jin came along with a promise to a carefree life, she's torn between her responsibilities and her dreams. Her desire to run towards a foreigner and away from her strict family/responsibilities is, unfortunately, also very common among Chinese females. :) Some parts of the character development in this movie was so vivid that it hurt. Those who compliant about character development, check out Zhang Yimou's early art films... with ONLY character development and little plot. See how long you enjoy character development before crapping out...
Cinematography: This is not a Lord of The Rings or Hero type of setting with big siege/war scenes. It more like Crouching Tiger with 2-15 people in a fight. Visually, the scenes are on par with Hero. No break through, but still an 11 out of 10. This is actually the first film in which I think Zhang JiYi looked stunningly beautiful.
Plot: Simple, tragic story with a couple of good twists. Good thing since a complex story will undoubtedly lose a lot of people who have to read subtitles.
Action: He directed Hero... Need I say more?
Acting: Andy Lau underperformed IMHO. Zhang JiYi did well. Takeshi Kaneshiro did his part as well.
Overall: Zhang Yimou is definitely producing films with higher "commercial" value than that of his early works. And this film shows that he is a master in balancing between action, character development, plot, and message/theme. Don't miss out of this one! Go see it NOW.
Movie Review: Fantastic action scenes and beautiful colors and scenery
Summary: 5 Stars
THIS MOVIE HAS FLAWS, BUT THE ACTION SCENES AND CINEMATOGRAPHY MAKE UP FOR IT.
Who thinks this stuff up? The action scenes and the colors are just amazing. They are the reason you go to the movies. To be entertained and to be transported into another world.
This movie does have it flaws in plotting, time scale and realism. But, most Chinese movies do. On the plus side, most Chinese movies do not have lapses in logic. Some of the obvious flaws include:
The opening dance scene is just as contrived as the pod racing scene in Star Wars: Phantom Menace. Is there any reason for this dance, other than it is visually stunning? It makes no sense to the plot.
The emotional bond of the two main characters is too rushed. The heroine really has no reason to make a connection, especially knowing what the relationship is based upon.
The plot is fairly obvious throughout, although there is one surprise near the end.
I was going to give this 4 stars, until the ending sequence. The final climax, in a snowstorm, just caps off some amazing and beautifully photographed scenes.
The colors in this movie are amazing. Much of it is filmed during the autumn, with very vibrant fall colors. The costumes and buildings are equally intricate and bursting with colors.
The real amazing parts are the action scenes. I think they are better than Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, or the Star Wars Movies. Overall, this isn't a better movie, it is just the action scenes are so unique and spectacular, that there isn't much that equates to them.
One of the great parts of the action scenes, compared to other Chinese movies and some American movies, is that there is a certain amount of realism to them. There isn't the unreal flying. Instead, there is the jumping from stalk to stalk across the bamboo jungle, which you can believe could actually happen. It is like a Jackie Chan movie, taken to the next step.
There are some good extras on the CD's. There are some bad extras, unless you are Chinese. The "Making of" documentary is in Chinese. The director's commentary is also in Chinese. It is rather disturbing to hear his grunts and moans. But, the star, Ziyi Zhang also gives commentary. Even though you can't understand what she is saying, her giggles and breathing are just as beautiful and erotic as she is.
There is a nice extra that shows piecing toghether the special effects. My only complaint is that it is not long enough.
One interesting note is the sexism that still exists in China to some extent. The real star of the movie is the female star, Ziyi Zhang. She main character and in more scenes. But, she gets third billing to the two male leads.
Movie Review: Love Never Was Easy to Hold...
Summary: 5 Stars
Government Solider Jin was sent to find, and capture, the head of the Flying Daggers; a rebel group bent on destroying the Government. Jin found the daughter of the head the Flying Daggers, a beautiful young blind girl named Mei. She's the key to finding where the rebel group is based. But Jin, quite the Casanova, never though he's actually fall in love with her....
So begins The House of Flying Daggers, a beautiful movie that'll sweep you up in the first beginning moments, and leave you in tears in the final minutes. With a beautiful Score, breathtaking theme song sung by Opera star Kathleen Battle, superb Cast, and stunning visuals, this movie will sweep you off your feet.
Takashi Kaneshiro plays Jin, a head Soldier in the Government sent to find, as I said above, the head of a rebel group. Takashi is Asia's Johnny Depp; he has the looks, and talent to prove it. His acting as the Casanova Jin will have you laughing in the beginning, and swooning in the middle as he falls for the person he's been sent to capture.
Ziyi Zhang (Memoirs of a Geisha, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) plays Mei, a blind young woman who is the daughter of the leader of the Flying Daggers. Ziyi will captivate you as soon as she steps on the screen. She draws and sucks you in, as if she very well casts a spell on you. Her acting, like her beauty, is flawless.
And don't forget top notch actor, Andy Lau who plays Takashi's head superior. I don't won't to spoil to much, but there are secrets and twists surrounding this character that'll leave you shocked and breathless.
Shigeru Umebayashi has made a beautiful soundtrack indeed, which will have you closing your eyes and listening, believing you're in China yourself. Without a doubt you'll want to go out and buy the soundtrack for yourself, and listen to the breathtaking sounds. Kathleen Battle, world renowned Opera singer, lends her voice to a beautiful heart wrenching ending song. While I'm not a big Opera fan, this song is so full of sadness and emotion, it'll leave you with a sob ready to escape your throat.
The visuals are stunning, the costumes gorgeous and mind blowing. Action scenes are wonderfully choreographed, and sweeping camera angles are gorgeous.
As for questionable material (for you parents) there is no foul language, the action scenes are done tastefully without gore. There are a few sensual scenes, but nothing is really shown.
Before I finish this review, I must warn against one thing. The plot twists are so mind blowing, so shocking, this movie will leave you with your mouth hanging open. The Ending sequence will leave you in tears, so be forewarned....
Movie Review: Better than Crouching Tiger!
Summary: 5 Stars
After raising his artistic level to lofty heights in "Hero," Chinese director Zhang Yimou returns to earth with the elegiac "House of Flying Daggers."
In what could be considered the second film of his third different film-making period, Zhang now freely traffics in martial arts. Bringing to the genre his own cinematic sensibilities, he renders a film that equals Hong Kong artists in action sequences, while again displaying his mastery in overall technique.
Working with a script from Li Feng, Wang Bin and himself, Zhang again returns to his country's history for an action tale full of romance, deceit, betrayal and loyalty. Set in 859 China, near the end of the Tang dynasty, "Daggers" centers on an on-going conflict between the established, corrupt emperor (whom we never see) and what must be called a terrorist group, known by the film's title, sworn to overthrow the ineffectual leader.
But, strangely, even when dealing with such a variety of emotions, "Daggers" is often a cold, uninvolving movie. A romance is established between Mei (Zhang Ziyi), who may or may not be blind, and Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro), who may or may not be a double agent for the government, with Leo (Andy Lau), who may or may not be a triple agent for the government, acting as a romantic foil.
In the prolonged opening scene set in a brothel, full of flowery patterns and shimmering costumes, Mei dances for Leo, suggesting that the deft Zhang Ziyi can execute any physical demands. Before leaving the scene, however, director Zhang shows his perfect eye for composition and choreography with his production of Mei's "echo dance."
Mei smoothly moves through her intricate paces, provocatively stimulating the senses. Carefully choreographed drummers surround her in perfect symmetry, setting up an unlikely stage from which Mei performs her stunning dance.
After this initial interior sequence, the film goes outside and stays there for several pursuits. Zhang then parades several imaginative battle sequences in which armies are outrageously mowed down by one or two people.
Consequently, much of "Daggers" follows a Hong Kong film tradition by taking place in the air, as fights erupt in bamboo forests, with warriors swaying in the trees, bending, and defying gravity. Zhang's pastoral fight scenes don't originate from the Hong Kong tradition of Tsui Hark or early John Woo films, but instead are his own inventions with much more emphasis on the aesthetic.
And it's for this eye that Zhang is best known, even in epic works like "Hero" or in a film like "Daggers." And that alone makes it more entertaining, and better, than 98 percent of most movies.