Review of House of Flying Daggers (2004) by Blake P — 10 Sep 2012

You'd think only two years after making "Hero" that "House of Flying Daggers", Zhang Yimou would create a wuxia that pales in comparison. Somehow, Yimou beats the odds, and actually makes a film that hits the standard, if not improves upon the before masterpiece.

It's quite a feat. While "Hero" was more focused on creating a complex plot that makes every scene more tense, "House of Flying Daggers" is really a simple love story that mixes in some martial arts, and a large dose of eye candy.

In fact, there's so much eye candy, that it makes up completely for the weak storyline. If anything, this might be the only film I've ever seen that I've based everything solely on the cinematography (and of course, Zhang Ziyi's performance, an actress who is always phenomenal).

The fighting sequences are of course, spectacular, but because of the situations they're set in, such as a beautiful palace, a fog-ridden forest, or a blizzard, our senses are heightened, and due to the simply gorgeous cinematography, that blends sharp editing and intoxicating images, every second is savory.

You forget about the weak script-- instead you can't take your eyes off the movie. This film is more of an experience than anything-- if you're looking for the complexities of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", then look towards "The Emperor and the Assassin".

But if you want an exciting martial arts film with ultra-stylized ambitions, "House of Flying Daggers" is the way to go. This is high class entertainment that never gets old to me. Recommended.