Most of the the time when it comes to people fighting each other, it involves PK’s, hair pulling, and somebody holding somebody else’s “dop”. Occasionally, a broken bottle and/or a “goose” is also involved. But every once in a while though, all that skop, skiet en donnering can be straight up artistic. Such is the case with The Assassin, the beautiful looking new film from Taiwanese auteur Hou Hsiao-hsien.
The critically acclaimed filmmaker was awarded the Best Director prize at this year’s Cannes festival for his sweeping martial arts drama, and checking out this first officially released US trailer it’s easy to see how, as every frame is just crammed with beautiful compositions and sumptuous cinematography. This is not your typical Jackie Chan punch-kick-laugh affair, but if you’re a fan of Eastern cinema and are looking for something a little bit more deliberate, this appears to be the movie to watch this year.
Check out the trailer below.
9th Century China: 10-year-old general’s daughter Nie Yinniang is abducted by a nun who initiates her into the martial arts, transforming her into an exceptional assassin charged with eliminating cruel and corrupt local governors. One day, having failed in a task, she is sent back by her mistress to the land of her birth, with orders to kill the man to whom she was promised – a cousin who now leads the largest military region in North China.
After 13 years of exile, the young woman must confront her parents, her memories and her long-repressed feelings. A slave to the orders of her mistress, Nie Yinniang must choose: sacrifice the man she loves or break forever with the sacred way of the righteous assassins.
The Assassin stars Qi Shu, Chen Chang, and Satoshi Tsumabuki. There’s no local release scheduled yet.
Last Updated: September 29, 2015
CypherGate
September 29, 2015 at 18:02
This looks brilliant!