The Assassin

The Assassin

2015 · 105 min · ZH · NR · 6.4 (579 votes)
Dir. Hou Hsiao-hsien · Starring Shu Qi, Chang Chen, Zhou Yun, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Ni Dahong, Yong Mei · Music Lim Giong
ActionAdventureHistory

9th century China. Ten 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.

VIBE

A visually stunning, deliberately paced journey into a world of duty and destiny. Its quiet intensity and breathtaking cinematography create a contemplative, almost spiritual experience, focusing on the internal struggles of its stoic protagonist.

meditativestoicmelancholicaustereslow-burnwuxiaarthouseperiod dramaminimalistdutyfatesacrificepolitical intrigue
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martial artsassassintang dynastywuxiaslow cinema7th century