The Assassin (2015)
An assassin accepts a dangerous mission to kill a political leader in seventh-century China.
Director: Hsiao-Hsien Hou
Writers: Cheng Ah (screenplay) (as Zhong Acheng) , T'ien-wen Chu (screenwriter), 3 more credits »
Stars: Qi Shu, Chen Chang, Satoshi Tsumabuki | See full cast and crew »
Storyline
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.
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.
User Reviews
I was completely enraptured by "The Assassin", one of the best films I have seen in decades. It is a near unrivaled masterpiece, a visual achievement on par with "Barry Lyndon", "In the Mood for Love," "Days of Heaven" and "Blade Runner". Each composition is mesmerizing. I was so enthralled by what I was seeing on the screen, my attention was held as if I was watching a thriller. I wanted the film to never end, because every new scene was a joy, a revelation, and a blessing to behold. For those who enjoy the work of Tarkovsky, Malick, Mizoguchi, Ozu, Wong Kar Wai, etc, you are in for a rare treat. The sound design was superb, sucking me deeper into HHH's dreamlike, moving painting. Films like this come along once a decade, so enjoy and savor it.
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