Director: Linshan Zhao
Format: Dolby, THX, Widescreen
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Subtitles: English
Dubbed: English
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Well Go USA
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Run Time: 106 minutes
I’m
not certain if there are more of these martial arts epics made in China than
any other genre of film, or if these are simply the ones most exported to the
United States, but either way we seem to have a new one on Blu-ray every other
week. Sometimes it becomes difficult to distinguish between them, as many have
similar plots and easily forgettable action sequences. Although The Assassins
is not the most original or memorable film to be released, it is one of the
better ones made in recent years.
The action is
spectacular, choreography and cinematography working together to make many
memorable sequences. The characters are also complex and well constructed. My
only criticism would be directed at the film’s unwillingness to commit entirely
to one character for inspiring sympathy from the audience. While trying to
create an array of emotions, the filmmakers stretch this attempt too far and
eliminate most sympathy from the distance created by so many characters
complexly weaved into the story.
Though there are
many unnecessary additions to the story, the focus quite clearly remains with
Ling Ju (Crystal Liu Yi Fei), a female warrior trained since childhood
alongside many other children. Though Ling is in love with fellow child soldier
Mu Shun (Tamaki Hiroshi), this must be put aside for the mission they were
trained for. After ten years of preparing, they are sent to assassinate the
most powerful man in the world, Cao Cao (Chow Yun Fat). The reasons behind the
assassination are much more complex than the emotional melodrama of Ling Ju and
Mu Shun, but unfortunately their story is placed in the background and the
family drama behind the assassination attempts is revealed.
As often is the
case, there is some historical accuracy to the assassination attempts and the
historical characters in the film, though I actually would have preferred more
from the characters who were quite clearly fictional. There is a love story at
the center of this film which is dismissed quickly into the story, which is
disappointing considering how strongly the film begins. The action remains
solid throughout the entire film, though there are large portions which remain
focused on the espionage of betrayal instead. The Blu-ray includes a
behind-the-scenes featurette and a trailer, but it is the visuals of the fights
in high definition which makes this package worthwhile.
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