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House of Flying Daggers
(2004) Sony Pictures Classic, 1 hr. 58 mins.
Starring:
Zhang Ziyi, Andy Lau, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Song Dandan
Directed by:
Zhang Yimou |
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TAdventurous filmmaker Zhang Yimou
mesmerized movie audiences previously with his resonate action-oriented
gem Hero. In House of Flying Daggers, he ups the ante and delivers a
dynamically polished kinetic drama that enhances this movie genre with its
sophisticated ode to romanticism and tradition. Visually alluring in its
exquisitely stylish execution, Yimou’s House of Flying Daggers is a
riveting epic that soars beyond the boundless imagination. There’s no
doubting the luscious landscape of Yimou’s visionary boundaries as his
narrative dares to explore the compromised intimacy of roguish warfare and
romance in the name of honor.
Granted that Zimou’s stunning spectacle will beg for appropriate
comparisons that will recall such poetic ditties as Crouching Tiger,
Hidden Dragon and the aforementioned Hero. Both entries had the raging
spirit of a solid storyline immersed in the wonderment of thrilling fight
sequences, ravishing scenic settings, and the consideration for conveying
complex emotional human development. The portrayal of martial arts
moviemaking has definitely adhered to a whole new level of appreciation
courtesy of an evolving growth for smart, sensationalistic cinema.
However, what House of Flying Daggers (or its Chinese title Shi Mian Mai
Fu) suggests more convincingly is its inherent ability to promote its
powerfully soulful strides through the beauty and brutality of its
wavering sentimentality. True, the blueprint for the inventive formula of
the gravity-defying stunts and breathtaking fight-oriented choreography is
indescribable (if not familiar) in all its brilliance. And the astounding
special effects add to the mystique and magic of Zimou’s stimulating
melodrama that revels marvelously in fanciful fury. Still, House feels
effortlessly free in striking up a varied smorgasbord of elements that
combine the compelling components of costumes, combat, coloring,
courageousness, and characterization. Overall, it’s refreshing to witness
a hauntingly skillful action-pack drama that hits your senses from all
sorts of directions.
We are introduced to the highly classified rebels known as the House of
Flying Daggers. Somehow, the ruling Tang Dynasty in China (circa AD 859)
is curiously taking a backseat to the prominence of the wily group of
rebellious warriors. It should be known that the Tang Dynasty is an
unscrupulous bunch indeed and they need some serious monitoring regarding
their questionable operation. Whatever the conflicting census may be, it’s
clear that the boiling point has been met by both factions—the tainted
Tang Dynasty and the devious-minded Daggers must somehow put a perpetual
halt to their simmering competitiveness.
Although the Daggers have suffered from various bouts with misfortune,
their resiliency to stay focused and disciplined understandably scares the
watchful eyes of the guarded authorities. Not taking any chances
whatsoever in the unpredictability of the Daggers’ uprising, the
overseeing forces decide to infiltrate their tumultuous targets as a means
to contain their effectiveness. Enter veteran government official Leo
(Andy Lau). Leo hatches a scheme to send one of his trusted right hand men
in the person of dashing undercover cop Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro, Returner)
to find out the details of the enemy’s motivations. Specifically, Jin is
to work his “carnal craftiness” on the daughter of the group’s recently
assassinated leader.
It’s a matter of time before we start to understand how attentive the
heartthrob Jin will be when registering on the hormonal radar of pretty
pixie Mei (Zhang Ziyi from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), a blind but
talented sword-swinging sweetie. It certainly will be a major mistake to
underestimate Mei because she’s as deadly as she is delicate in her
feminine appearance. The bewildering revelation about Jin and Mei is
simply how quickly these two feisty fighters are drawn to one another
romantically given their instinctual resistance for letting down their
emotional guard. Whether through the embracing arms of war-torn malaise or
competing lovers testing their forbidden feelings for one another, Yimou’s
radiant showcase is the ultimate wuxia (meaning “martial chivalry”) to
behold with spellbinding forethought.
Overall, Yimou’s sparkling spectacle will have one’s blood percolating
thanks to the sensuality of the moviemaker’s exquisite exposition
accompanied by furious and frenetic acrobats and the soothing movie score
courtesy of Shigeru Umebayashi’s lyrical touch. Other credit also needs to
go to reliable Hong Kong fight choreographer Tony Ching Siu-Tung (A
Chinese Ghost Story) for capturing the profound essence of the characters’
graceful bodily reactions that are both surreal and serene.
Jaw-dropping in its elegance to the universal theme of love and war, it’s
worth the price of admission to take a creative stab at House of Flying
Daggers. |
