House of Flying Daggers

House of Flying Daggers is a love story with action thrown in. The film is a slight departure from the normal kung fu genre in that it is primarily a love story. The three leads are played by Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau and Ziyi Zhang and the film is directed by Zhang Yimou who also directed Hero.

The film was a huge success at the box office and probably succeeded in bring the genre a few more converts. The "Echo Game" sequence near the start of the film is mesmerising; depicting the total grace yet sudden amazing movements which show hints of Zhang’s deadly hidden abilities.

The costumes, props, and decorations were taken almost entirely from Chinese paintings of the period, adding authenticity to the look of the film. Intertwined with the amazing action are heart rending moments of love and passion which will make even the most hardened kung fu nut cry.

The film is set at the end of the Tang dynasty around 859AD and the government is threatened by a group of rebels called the House of Flying Daggers. The local police suspect a blind call girl and one officer is sent undercover to investigate her, however, on the way they fall in love. Unfortunately, it turns out that the officer’s superior is also in love with the girl and the ensuing story is filled with the tragic consequences.

Cinema release 2004

Certificate 15

Available on DVD and Blue Ray