Shi mian mai fu [House of Flying Daggers]
(c) A.J. Malouin 2007
(Rating: 11 by Al)
(2004/China/Hong Kong. Directed by Yimou Zhang.)
(1 hr 59. Rated PG-13 in the USA, for sequences of stylized martial arts violence and some sexuality.)
No longer content with martial arts films as merely martial arts films, this film is another of those that incorporates a love triangle, as well as political intrigue and duplicity, into the genre. All the visual loveliness of athletic jumping, swirling, fighting, flinging, dancing and such that you expect from these kinds of things is here in this movie. Beautiful, beautiful cinematography, costuming and art direction, as well, make “House of Flying Daggers” a delightful movie to watch, even if we did occasionally look at our watches.