House of Flying Daggers
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Movie Reviews of House of Flying Daggers
Movie Review: House of Flying Colors
Summary: 5 Stars
"House of Flying Daggers" is an excellent film. It is not only stunning to look at, but it also has an incredible story line. The time line is set at the end of a failing dynasty and the bad guys are starting to take over the country side. The emperor has sent police to restore order against the Flying Daggers gang. what transposes is a love story between three people. One of the police and two of the gangsters. Telling any more is going to give away the twists within the plot of the movie and that is not fair to you. There are gangsters, cops, incredible fight scenes, and beautifull colors.
Like his last film "Hero", "House of Flying Daggers" is a feast for the eyes. Once again Yimou has done marvoulous things with his choice of colors. They are truly stunning and they enhance the film beautifully. If you have seen "Hero" then you know what I am talking about. This film also reminds me of "Crouching Tiger HIdden Dragon" for the scenery.
This film also has incredible fight scenes throughout. Even if you are not a fan of Martial arts films, this is just gorgeous to look at. To me, the most amazing scene was the dance of the echoes which involved beans hitting various drums and a blind girl matching the rythem of the beans just by listening. It is awe inspiring. Yimou does not fall into the cliche of most action films of one fight after another. Don't worry, there is more than enough action for even the most die hard fan. It just blends so well into the story.
If you liked Hero or Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, then you will love House of Flying Daggers. If you are not a martial arts film fan, then the film is still stunning to look at and the story line is everybit as good as the scenery. This film is a true winner. Highly Recommended
Movie Review: "To Be Free Like the Wind"
Summary: 5 Stars
Filmed shortly after "Hero", this is writer/director Zhang Yimou's 2nd film in the action genre, and though quite different from his "Hero", it is equally exquisite from every standpoint. The plot is interesting, with the 3 main characters conflicted between love and duty, in a triangle of complex emotions. All 3 are spies in a battle between the government and a rebel group that seeks justice, and it is brilliantly cast by 3 of the most attractive stars in films today. Takeshi Kaneshiro, remembered from his great work in Wong Kar-Wai's films, is magnificent as Jin, who poses as a playboy to get to know the beautiful Mei. Zhang Ziyi is Mei, skilled as a dancer, actress, as well as in the martial arts scenes, and completing the trio is superstar Andy Lau; all 3 light up the screen with their charisma and excellence as performers.
The many layers of the plot are told in lavish settings and spectacular landscapes, exquisite costumes that conform to the Tang Dynasty era in 859 AD, and the flying fighting scenes, as well as the swordplay, is superbly choreographed. "House of Flying Daggers" is a feast for the eyes, and a romantic fantasy that is very moving. One has to see this film several times to enjoy all the detail, and the subtlety of the performances. As much as I liked "Hero", this film has perhaps even more depth, as it would be a fantastic film independent of the action scenes.
The lovely score by Shigeru Umebayashi adds much to the film, with the final song, "Lovers," sung by Kathleen Battle, and the cinematography by Xiaoding Zhao, much of it on location in the Ukraine, is breathtaking. The DVD features are plentiful, and include some informative commentary by Yimou and Zhang Ziyi. Total running time for the film is 119 minutes.
Movie Review: and the Best Picture Oscar should go here
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is everything it was hyped to be and more. I saw the great Andy Lau was starring plus that Zhang girl from "Crouching Tiger" and I knew this had to be special and it was.
First of all, the story is excellent. One of the most intriguing, captivating, and clever plots I have ever witnessed on film. The twists just kept coming and coming. By the end I was just speechless, I was so impressed. Beautiful love story set against the backdrop of a kind of war brewing between the government and a group of radicals. That's all I'm gonna say on that in fear that I'll give away too much.
The acting is great. I was so entranced with the emotional struggles these characters were going through. And yeah, it's really nothing knew. We've all seen many stories about 2 lovers that happened to be on opposing sides but this story had an originality to it that kept it from becoming too routine. I totally fell for the illusions the actors were creating. It was just so believable.
And yes, there was action. From the phenomenal opening dance number to the "final battle" the action scenes were a mix of traditionally detailed swordfights to unbelievable superhuman feats like grasping a sword with a piece of fabric. And I won't even go into the physics behind the actual "flying daggers". It's all good.
So the movie was great. Beyond great, it was flawless. As for the "haters" dissing the CGI please ignore that mess. If you are planning to view this film solely for the action and/or the special effects you might as well wait for the DVD and keep your thumb on the fast forward button. However, for those who are ready to experience a film that will connect with your soul as well as your adrenaline look no further than this "House".
Movie Review: Great filmmaking on an epic scale
Summary: 5 Stars
Perhaps the best genre offering from China since the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" [and arguably better], "House of Flying Daggers" is based in the China of 854 AD. Although the cast is very large only a handful of players have speaking roles and most of those are relegated to the three main antagonists.
This is a beautifully filmed movie that makes Kurasowa's Ran look like an also ran. Filmed in China and the forests of Ukraine, director Yimou Zhang makes vivid use of his landscapes and drapes the film in strong primary colors. The fight scenes are well choreographed and are almost ballet-like in their presentation. They easily match or exceed "Crouching Tiger" for sheer effect. The result is that the cinematography and choreography become a part of this great film.
The opening scenes set the stage for the characters complete with a great scene where Mei [Ziya Zhang playing the role of a blind dancer] performs the "echo dance" for the local garrison's captain Leo. Mei is suspected of being a member of the House of Flying Daggers, an insurgent group and Leo plots with his lieutenant [Jin] to take her back to the groups location. But all is not what it seems and the plot takes a few twists.At the heart of this is a love story, where love drives the character changes. It's also a tragedy as the lives of those involved are affected deeply by forces out of their control.
"House of Flying Daggers" is filmmaking of the best kind. There's something almost mythical in its quality and I found it to be emotional story telling of the best kind. It's almost unbelievable that this film doesn't appeal to everyone, but I found it one of the best I've seen in ages. Highly recommended.
Movie Review: BEAUTIFUL Fights (?), Scenery, Costumes! Likeable Acting! Plot Twists!
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is a joy to behold! It is set in the Far East, centuries ago, and the stylish sets and props really give the audience the flavor of that exotic setting!
This reminds me of a Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Western, in that the main characters are the equivalent of a "sure shot" shooter, they constantly make impossible moves in the fight scenes, but it just adds to the enjoyment of the film! Like HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER, this film seems to start out in a realistic way, but gets more beyond realistic as the story progresses, but it is still very engrossing and it all fits together very well.
I love the female lead character, who was a major supporting actress in CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON. As the main character in this movie, she keeps the audience's interest level up. I like this film better than CROUCHING TIGER. I think HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS is faster paced, with a slightly more realistic feel to the fighting (less dreamlike than TIGER's fighting).
There are plenty of plot twists to stimulate the intellect; beautiful costumes, sets, and scenery to please the eye; and great choreography in the fighting to make the viewer gasp in amazement.
The DVD's director's commentary is spoken IN CHINESE, by the lead actress and the director! But you can follow along with the subtitles. The DVD's extras reveal the philosophy of love that drives the writing and situations in the film. I personally don't agree about how supposedly endless love at first sight can last, etc., but it is interesting to get such an in-depth understanding of the movie maker's vision.
This is definitely one of the most fun, well-made movies of the year, (and maybe of all-time)!