The House of Flying Daggers--- a moving canvass....

Title:
House of Flying Daggers (B+)
PH Release Date:
October 13, 2004
Actors:
Zhang Zi Yi, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Anita Mui
Written and Directed by:
Zhang Yimou
Edited by:
Cheng Long
Design / Photography:
Huo Tingxiao / Zhao Xiaoding
Studio:
Sony

I’m like the wind, carefree and …. modess, charmee, whisper, confident and libresse.

Arguably the most beautiful woman in Asian cinema today takes on a role not so different from the one that upgraded her to supahstah status. Zhang Zi Yi plays the role of Mei, a blind dancer suspected by the police to be an affiliate of the house of flying daggers: an infamous group that terrorizes the crooked government. She met Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro), and in their journey to the north to find the reticent cluster they’ll unearth the secrets and deception that surrounds them both.

I was pleased when I found out that this film wasn’t dubbed. The last thing I needed to see are Chinese characters speaking fluent English hundreds of years ago. Unlike most Americans (as if I’m one), I prefer subtitles than dubbing. It feels more real when it’s in their native tongue; well at least I thought so….

Watching this movie was like watching a moving canvass. It was a painting more than anything else. The saturation of the colors was so flamboyant and harmonized, that there’ll be nothing else left for me but be amaze. Its shift from season to season, despite from its ridiculousness is very pleasing to the eyes.

The story sashays along with the portrait. The characters were well presented despite a little lack of characterization. This movie was a love story and it revolves around it mainly. It isn’t about the house itself, which I found not that applicable cuz it might have saved this movie from its ruinous ending. But the love story itself though was worth the watch; even if I honestly believe it isn’t really love, just lust.

Zhang Yimou’s direction and writing were both good, however, as a writer, he seemed to be very concentrated on showing how blithe love is that he pay no heed to the realness of the actions. When it comes to his directing, his totally determined on making this film so beautiful visually, that it seemed too fanciful. Some of the fight scenes didn’t appear like one, instead they look like dance numbers for the Chinese New Year. He was way too artistic that the reality was way too distorted.

Zhang Zi Yi and Takeshi Kaneshiro served their purpose very well. It’s as if the garish background ain’t enough, they added two more eye-candies for us to feast on. Zhang showed real emotions in this movie and unlike some skinny Chinese actress, she knows how to draw the audience into her without crying. Takeshi, though I found it odd at first why they chose him cuz he’s Japanese, did fine acting wise. He personified the player that he should be. In spite of this, I believe he needs to work harder with the heavy scenes cuz he kinda staggers a bit. And if you’re waiting for some steamy scenes, I don’t think so, it’s rated PG13 which means there’s nothing much to see, which is completely disappointing. C’mon it’s supposed to be an art film, you have the firmest excuse.

The strength of this movie is mainly on its visual part. Its lurid production design seduces you to be part of the movie. The cinematography was too artsy for my taste but definitely served the director’s purpose. The music was a bit outmoded but it’s highly inconspicuous. You’ll feel a tiny bit of nostalgia seeing some of the fight scenes that clearly resembles those of Crouching Tiger, specifically the bamboo fighting.

It’s a rare visual treat with rare real moments. The ending, as I usually put it--- sucks!!! And will definitely change your view of the film afterwards, it did for me. I was to give this movie an A but the ending was way too dreadful for me to ignore. It’s a good trip to the house but slit that flying dagger to your neck before the movie ends.