House of Flying Daggers
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Movie Reviews of House of Flying Daggers
Movie Review: Outstanding in every respect
Summary: 5 Stars
The scenery (even if some of it is Ukraine), the colour palettes employed for costumes and lighting, the action, the pace of the film, the story istelf and the incomparable Zhaing Ziyi combine to make this film an outstanding acheivement in every respect. This is essentially a love story set inside a political morality tale, and the chemistry between the two protagonists is positively enchanting. When the double-crossing police captain returns to Mei in her most dire straits and and tells her, when she asks him why he returned, that he came back for her, you honestly feel it in your gut. Anyone who has taken some unforgettable plunge, some ultimate leap of faith for the one they love, will feel the delivery of this line. That it all turns out as it does takes the notion of kharma and to task for not having more intelligence.
Who is Nia? Who are the Flying Daggers? Why should it be that the story reaches a set of conclusions that make you want to stand up and shout at the screen? Unlike CROUCHING TIGER, the morals are not as clear cut. All lines are blurred. And that is how most of us live, so while we may not be swinging from bamboo trees, allegorically, we all know what the director is talking about. There is much to contemplate here, especially considering the Chinese mythology surrounding colour.
And Zhaing Ziyi is possibly the most beautiful woman in cinema today, and one of the most powerful actresses ever. Kate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh seemed to be roled into Ziyi. She has a command of the camera that head-cases like Kidman would kill for. She can appear both as ingenue and as deadly as sin. The echo game that sets the drama in motion is beyond compare to anything in film to this point. There is in every frame with her a sense of mystery, danger, intrigue, intelligence, sexuality and surrender that captures the soul and she moves effortlessly through all the changes and emotional landscapes as naturally as though the story were really hers.
The DVD features a few commentaries, if you like that sort of thing, and a very lame lip-sync by Kathleen Battle. But a film this good doesn't need anything superfluous. In fact, it's as well that the extras are meager, they would only take away from the experience of an incendiary and captivating and soul-wrenching story of love. Of all the films that have come out in this genre, this one may be the best, and very hard to top. But we'll see what Zhaing Ziyi does next....
Movie Review: Visual Splendor for a Touching Romance
Summary: 5 Stars
When the neighborhood movie houses seem to have an overwhelming number of martial arts films, both takeoffs on 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' quality and the 'Matrix' clone dalliances, and when the whole concept of mind-boggling flying armed forms threatens to become passé, along comes another film by Yimou Zhang and the atmosphere changes.
Zhang fully understands the choreographic possibilities if this genre of films and surpasses his fellow directors with his sensitivity to story. Yes, HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS has more special effects than can be listed here, but FINALLY the special effects embroider a tender love triangle in the year 859 AD at the core of the dissolution of the Tang Dynasty. Mei (Ziyi Zhang) is the daughter of the deceased leader of a dissident group called House of Flying Daggers, and posing as a dancer in the Peony Pavilion, seeks to kill the captain of the Tang army Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro). Under surveillance, both Mei and Jin are captured by loyalist Leo (Andy Lau) and while both escape, imprints of the two men and one woman have been set and the resulting chase leads to much action, fighting, and ultimate entanglement of the three in a tender and pathetic love triangle. How this resolves is the basis for the very supernatural ending.
The story is sound and amazingly credible due to the fine acting by the trio. But the real glories of this symphonic excursion are the lush colors, magnificent costumes, the exquisite choreography of dance and martial arts, and the breathtaking camera work observing the forests and glens in the richest colors of autumn and winter. Simply stated, this film is dazzling and brilliantly conceived and executed.
An additional factor in the film is the musical score by Shigeru Umebayashi interspersed with old Chinese songs played on authentic instruments. On the DVD there is a music video that features Kathleen Battle singing the main song, and while the song and the video are not remarkable, it is a pleasure to see that Kathleen Battle is still singing and, though somewhat older in appearance, still lovely of face and voice. The additional DVD features of the making of the film are far above average, especially Zhang's story of how the unexpected early snow during the shooting encouraged him to utilize this miracle of nature and indeed supply some of the more beautiful scenes in the film. Grady Harp, April 05
Movie Review: Another Fantastic Martial Arts Film by Yimou Zhang
Summary: 5 Stars
Director Yimou Zhang who wooed audiences with his cinematically breathtaking 2002 film "Hero" did another stupendous job with his 2004 film "The House of Flying Daggers" (a.k.a., "Shi mian mai fu"). Audiences familiar with the films "Hero" (2002) and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) will no doubt recognize one of this film's main characters being portrayed by the actress Ziyi Zhang. In this film, Ziyi Zhang plays Mei, the seemingly blind daughter of a man who founded the illegal group known as the House of Flying Daggers. Two Chinese soldiers who are attempting to stop the House of Flying Daggers, Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro) and Leo (Andy Lau), learn about Mei is performing as a dancer at a nearby nightclub of sorts that is being run by a woman named Yee (Dandan Song). Leo orders Jin to go to the club to scrutinize Mei undercover as a customer. He does so, but is then later arrested by Leo (part of their undercover operation) who orders Mei to perform a difficult "echo game" dance for him. She dances flawlessly, but he arrests her and takes her to his headquarters. Jin, still working undercover, helps Mei to escape as his plan with Leo is to let Mei lead them to the House of Flying Daggers. In the countryside, Jin and Mei are hunted initially by Leo and his men, but then a higher-ranking officer sends his own soldiers after the pair and Jin is forced to kill his own fellow soldiers. While fleeing the soldiers, an interesting relationship develops between Mei and Jin as they continue to get closer to the highly elusive House of Flying Daggers. Several excellent plot twists then reveal the full extent of who everyone is and leads to an emotionally powerful ending.
With a combination of excellent cinematography, well-choreographed martial arts, an engaging story and well-acted characters, "The House of Flying Daggers" is indeed a very excellent film. People who enjoyed director Yimon Zhang's interesting use of color in the 2002 film "Hero" will see a similar use of color in this film, but he doesn't use color to convey the same meanings in this film as he did in "Hero". It is also apparent in this film that there have been improvements in the martial arts choreography and special effects that made the various battles far more natural and fluid in appearance. Overall, I rate "The House of Flying Daggers" with 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it.
Movie Review: Beautifully acted, filmed martial arts epic
Summary: 5 Stars
I must say I cringe at all the comments saying how the storyline wasn't "believable" and the characters weren't three dimensional. This is a martial arts epic, and for anyone who's seen enough of these films, the code of behavior is purely stylized, kind of like in a Western. It's not Method acting. These are characters within a certain genre, and they are expected to behave and speak in a certain way. (You cant very well have a Western hero who's a chatty metrosexual Cathy.)
Within the confines of the genre, I thought "House of Flying Daggers" was gorgeously filmed, and actually had much more depth and feeling than most of these films. Zhang Zimou is of course famous for his beautiful cinematography, and this is no exception. The film's very beginning, in which Mei dances with her silk sashes, is itself a visual feast.
The acting is also excellent. Zhang Ziyi is one of the most beautiful women onscreen today. Girlish yet stunningly sensual, the camera (and audience) fixates on the every curl of her beautiful mouth. I'd have to go back to Hitchcock to think of a screen goddess filmed as lovingly. As Mei the blind courtesan, she projects the right mix of unattainability and vulnerability. She also has terrific screen chemistry with Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro). The scene in which Jin cuts flowers for her in a field may be the most romantic thing I've seen onscreen in a long time, made even more so by the rigid chivalry that defines the characters.
The character of Leo (Andy Lau) is less well-defined and compelling, and Lau is so stolid that unfortunately the love triangle between Leo, Jin, and Mei fails to take off. After all, it is very clear where the "real love" is.
As for the storyline, it's a typical martial arts storyline, in which a beautiful woman is secretly a skilled fighter, and the men who love her must fight to the death. There's also the usual double-identities and double-crossing. The "third act" is perhaps too filled with twists and quick identity revelations. But mostly this is a movie of mood and visuals, and if you go into the movie thinking, "Oh that's not realistic!" you'll ruin the whole experience. Just sit back, and watch Jin leer at Mei bathing. You too will be overwhelmed by the beauty of it all.
Movie Review: Emotional, Powerful and absolutely Stunning
Summary: 5 Stars
"What a Beauty of a film" was my first reaction after seeying this great work of art.
These are the films Chinese cinema are all about. "House of the Flying Daggers" is a powerful story about love and war that has made a stunning impression.
The style Director Zhang Yimou puts in his films is well known for it's absolutely stunning scenery. The way he fills up the screen is delicious eye candy and with this film it's no difference.
From the locations to the way of filming, from the lighting to the costumes: it is and looks absolutely gorgeous. We've seen in his grand film "Hero", that next to the scenery Yimou also knows how to film his actionscenes and this film is the absolute proof of that. Great camerawork and strong editing make the fights tense and a joy to watch.
But this film isn't all about action: It's mostly a powerful drama and romantic film that shows emotions that are very well brought by the actors.
Therefor the cast is perfect: Zhang Ziyi is so believable and realistic as the blind woman Mei. She acts with heart and gives a wonderful, stunning performance. Takeshi Kaneshiro has also been greatly cast as the man who falls in love with the her. He plays his character well and is great to see on the screen. Andy Lau knows how to portray his character and gives a great performance as well.
A cast you can't go wrong with.
So unlike "Hero", this film is mostly centered on the romance and the love the main characters are experiencing.
So that element can be seen as the beating heart of the film, with around that fights and action.
So if you loved "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Hero" and haven't seen this one yet: what are you waiting for?!
If you haven't seen those films and want to see what the real beauty and excitement of cinema is all about: watch this one and be blown away.
Because with a story of great twists and switches, love and hate, stunning beauty, fantastic scenery, beautiful music, powerful emotion, tense action and great acting (I can go on and on): "House of the Flying Daggers" is another triumph out of China that shows a film that is a masterpiece in every powerful and gorgeous way.