House of Flying Daggers
Forbidden love is ancient Chinese secret

// The skinny: The government and rebels are at war. Jin is sent undercover to infiltrate the House of Flying Daggers and draw out its new leader.

// Review: This is a tragic love story with martial arts flair. Typically in these state vs the common people type Chinese films the government are the corrupt bad guys. While you naturally feel a sympathy for the rebels, Jin and Andy Lau are likable cops. Through out the movie you will find that you really don't take any sides, because it's not really a story of good battling evil. The main plot is the progression of the relationships and drama between the 3 main characters and how they are torn between love, duty, and friendship.

/ Towards the end the government troops are closing in on the rebels, but we never find out what happens. I think it's because the director was intentionally saying that the outcome is irrelevant because what's really important is how the resolution between the characters will play out. The final act was a little gut wrenching and difficult to watch. You have sense that whatever happens it won't end happily.

/ This film looks incredible. Most of the scenes were shot in lush fields, green bamboo forests, snowy mountain sides, and the indoor sets were intricate and vibrantly colorful. The martial arts were more ballet than actual fighting. One of the things I found refreshing was that usually the goons are incompetent and made to look silly by the dashing hero. But here the grunts are actually pretty beastly as they dance around on bamboo trees and do more than hold their own.

// Wrap up: However you felt about Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon will be the same with this movie. Like so many recent Chinese films it's elegant, artistic, and tragic.

Entertainment rating: 4