|
House Of Flying DaggersReviewed by Madelyn Miller
But let’s start at the beginning.
You will stay tuned in to this movie because of the compelling acting, gorgeous photography and thrill a minute excitement. Never did I think I would consider an “action” flick as a top movie of the year. But I loved every minute because this movie had it all—sex, violence, excitement. I’d rate it a five dagger movie any day. Director: Zhang Yimou RUN TIME: 119 Minutes MPAA RATING: Rated PG-13 for sequences of stylized martial arts violence, and some sexuality |
|
TM
Not since Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon had I been so
spellbound by a movie. I previewed it during a week filled with culture—I
went to the Broadway company production of Fosse that night, and Cirque de
Soleil the next night. And as much as I love live theatre and dance—The
House of Flying Daggers had the most mesmerizing choreography and was most
visually exciting of all of these outstanding entertainment choices.
It is 859AD, and the Tang Dynasty, one of the most
enlightened empires in Chinese history at its height, is in decline. The
Emperor is incompetent and the government is corrupt. Unrest is spreading
throughout the land, and many rebel armies are forming in protest. The
largest, and most prestigious, is an underground alliance called the “House
of Flying Daggers.” The House of Flying Daggers operates mysteriously,
stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Thus, they have earned the
support and admiration of the people and expanded quickly. 
Based in Feng Tian County, close to the Imperial
Capital, the House of Flying Daggers has long been a thorn in the side of
the local deputies, their hated rivals. The deputies are enraged because,
even after they fought and killed the leader of the House of Flying Daggers,
the House continues to thrive. Under the leadership of a mysterious new
leader, the House of Flying Daggers grows ever more powerful Feng Tian
County’s two local captains; Leo (Andy Lau Tak Wah) and Jin (Takeshi
Kaneshiro) are ordered to capture the new leader within ten days. Captain
Leo suspects that Mei (Zhang Ziyi), the beautiful new dancer at the local
Peony Pavilion, is actually the daughter of the old leader. He hatches a
plan to arrest her and bring her in for questioning. 
When Mei refuses to divulge any information on the
House of Flying Daggers, the two captains set up another plan. This time,
Captain Jin will pretend to be a lone warrior called Wind and rescue Mei
from prison, earning her trust and escorting her to the secret headquarters
of the House of Flying Daggers. The plan works, and on their long journey to
the House, Jin and Mei warm to each other. Before long, Mei has developed
feelings for her enigmatic protector, and Jin is surprised to find himself
falling for Mei’s headstrong charm. Both struggle to contain their
feelings, but under the starry night, their irrepressible desire is almost
beyond their control. Danger lurks in the forest surrounding them, and the
wind is still, as if sensing the tension in the air. 
What lies ahead for Jin and Mei, these star-crossed
lovers? If this is true love, then why are there plots in their heads…and
secrets in their hearts?