STORYLINE/PLOT:
During the last years of the corrupt Tang Dynasty, a peoples’ rebellion began, led by people skilled in martial arts. These skilled fighters called themselves the House of Flying Daggers, and they attacked Tang officials, sharing any wealth obtained with the people. Being champions of the people, their power grew as a legitimate political alternative to the oppressive Tang rule. This fact was recognized by the Tang ruler, and he ordered the extermination of the House of flying Daggers.
The story picks up in 859 A.D. The local deputies had gotten word that the House of Flying Daggers had infiltrated an upscale brothel named the Peony Pavilion, and they have decided to trap her. Their plan was to allow her to escape and lead them to the new leader of the House of Flying Daggers.
Leo, the leader of the local deputies, assigned a younger officer, Jin, to trap the suspected woman, known to be new to the Peony Pavilion, because his good looks and rakish ways would prove to be the perfect undercover guise.
The plan went according to Leo’s design, and Jin and Mei, the new dancing girl, escaped together. Carefully, Leo followed his young officer and Mei, who was blind, as she led them north to “friends.”
Complications arose when Jin’s pretense turned into real feelings for Mei. Further, he learned from Leo that the General was now in control of the ruse, and the General’s soldiers did not know Jin. If they saw him, they would try to kill him. The movie took on the character of a real chase film.
Another severe twist occurred after the House of Flying Daggers rescued Jin and Mei from “tree-walking” soldiers. Although the romantic relationship between Jin and Mei was recognized, the “Leader” of the House of Flying Daggers (met in disguise earlier at the Peony Pavilion) had a certain obligation to another surprise undercover agent who had a longtime love for Mei.
“Oh, what tangled webs we weave, when first we practise to deceive!”
With such passions and such cause converging, could violence all around be avoided? Nia, the real leader of the House of Flying Daggers emerged. She commanded the planned trap of the General’s men. As for the hopes of love facing desperate times, it was better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.
This film opened with a shot of a sword rack and swords being removed by soldiers. They were about to go on a mission. Remaining behind were their superior officers, Leo and Jin, who were discussing the new leader of the Flying Daggers. They had ten days to search out and destroy this leader.
The stage was set for deceit, betrayal, generosity (even beau geste), courage, love and death. These weren’t bad aspects for a film to embrace.
COMMENTARY
This was a film of epic scope, and, as is often the case with such films, it was a bit long – or seemed to be. It was a historical fiction, and some may find the sets and costumes interesting. The Peony Pavilion was a prism of colors.
There were a number of visually striking scenes, such as Mei’s dance scenes. Another was the “tree-walking” soldiers.
The fight scenes were well-choreographed, but much of what was shone had lost its magic since CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.
The “flying daggers” were a trip, as they seemed to defy physics. Too, they were almost animal-like in their determination to strike the object at which they were tossed.
The character twists were surprising – hence, well done. I thought the acting of the main characters was solid, helping the surprises bloom successfully.
The special effects were good.
The overall theme of an oppressed people rising up to rid themselves of the yoke of impoverishment and police-state tyranny is rather timely.
PRODUCTION KEYS
Yimou Zhang – director/writer, Bin Wang – writer, Shigeru Umebayashi – music director, Ziaoding Zhao – cinematography, Long Cheng – film editing, Emi Wada – costume design
CAST KEYS
Takeshi Kaneshiro (Jin), Andy Lau (Leo), Ziyi Zhang (Xiao Mei)
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