House of Flying Daggers Movie Review 2004

Zhang continues his interest in swordplay and chivalry following 2002's "Hero." Set in 859 A.D., during a period of unrest in the Tang Dynasty, the film follows three main characters. Police captains Leo (Lau) and Jin (Kaneshiro) are assigned to uncover the leader of the Flying Daggers, an anti-government rebel group. An elaborate set piece introduces beautiful blind dancer Mei (Zhang), the apex of the triangle. Jin poses as a sympathizer and hopes Mei will lead him to the rebel headquarters but doesn't expect to fall in love with her. A bamboo forest scene is among the film's action highlights. Mandarin with subtitles. Film is dedicated to actress Anita Mui who died from cancer before filming her role.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 120 minutes.
Originally from Chinese, Hong Kong.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Martial Arts, China, Period Piece

Screenplay

Zhang Yimou, Feng Li, Bin Wang

Cast

Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Zhang Ziyi, Song Dandan

Cinematography

Xiaoding Zhao

Director

Zhang Yimou

Music

Shigeru Umabayashi

Other

Tao Jing, Long Chen, Emi Wada, Huo Tingxiao

Producer

Bill Kong, Zhang Yimou, Edko Films, Zhang Yimou Studio, Sony Pictures Classics