House Of Flying Daggers (2004)

3 out of 4

Starring: Andy Lau, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Ziyi

Director: Zhang Yimou

Time: 119 mins

Viewed: in home theatre

Director Zhang Yimou's second foray into martial arts epics, following Hero, is a visually striking yet intimate tale, with Hong Kong star Lau and Kaneshiro as police captains in historic China trying to flush out a Robin-Hood like gang of rebels. Zhang Ziyi plays a pretty blind girl who may or may not be a part of the gang. Romance and deception play a strong hand in the plot, but the action setpieces engage the eye and pulse with a combination of special effects and vivid use of colour and scenery. Highlights include a lengthy battle in a bamboo forest.

(c) Joe Wong (14 May 2005)