House of Flying Daggers
I became excited about this movie primarily by Zhiyi Zhang *yum* and secondarily by Sean's review on his blog. Now Sean is a smart, critical guy so I figure that a film he liked must be worth watching. It is, but I didn't quite get what I signed up for.
What I thought I was signing up for was a fast paced martial arts movie with semi-disposable plot, lots of fighting, rich verdant landscapes, evocative soundtrack, and wonderful direction. What I got was 'how to master the art of turning around in 500 different ways all while looking as pouty as possible'.
Fair enough. I'm prone to being more than a little facetious, and must give credit where credit is due. The movie's direction, sound, and ability to grip you is absolutely fantastic. Some of the scenes are staggeringly beautiful (a la Hero). One scene that stands out in particular as a triumph would be the opening scene in the brothel where the combination of colour, Zhang's athleticism, and the venue itself are absolutely first rate. Another that sticks in memory is the chase scene amidst the bamboo forest with lush greens, great camera work, and maybe the best situational surround sound I've ever heard. Now I know what a 6 feet long sharpened bamboo pole spear sounds like when flying through the air in waves. These elements all combine to produce the very epitome of what a good action sequence (in my world) is all about. In summary: Fuckin' a, right on.
Two thirds of this movie held me in thrall but unfortunately by the end I had totally lost interest. Without giving too much of the plot away, I felt that the ending was needlessly drawn out and that themes which could have been accomplished in 1 scene were repeated almost to the point of being painful. I didn't care enough about two of the main characters to feel particularly moved at the outcome.
It must be noted that even while being painful, the movie still looked fucking awesome. This eases the pain considerably. I think essentially what I wanted to see was an action movie, and what I got was a love story movie that just happened to have a lot of action in it.
I would have dearly loved to develop the plot into more about the House of Flying Daggers. What starts out as such a great theme, with plenty of dark, mystery and awe really had me hooked. When the House finally made an appearance I was on the verge of cheering. After that, though, we saw no more. Sniff.
I still had a great time, and would recommend it to those who are fans of Hero or Crouching Tiger. You should just know what you're getting into so you don't feel gipped. What disturbs me greatly is that for once I actually agree with a movie reviewer. I must need a cup of tea.
I still want Zhiyi's love child. She can do no wrong in my eyes. *shudder*
What I thought I was signing up for was a fast paced martial arts movie with semi-disposable plot, lots of fighting, rich verdant landscapes, evocative soundtrack, and wonderful direction. What I got was 'how to master the art of turning around in 500 different ways all while looking as pouty as possible'.
Fair enough. I'm prone to being more than a little facetious, and must give credit where credit is due. The movie's direction, sound, and ability to grip you is absolutely fantastic. Some of the scenes are staggeringly beautiful (a la Hero). One scene that stands out in particular as a triumph would be the opening scene in the brothel where the combination of colour, Zhang's athleticism, and the venue itself are absolutely first rate. Another that sticks in memory is the chase scene amidst the bamboo forest with lush greens, great camera work, and maybe the best situational surround sound I've ever heard. Now I know what a 6 feet long sharpened bamboo pole spear sounds like when flying through the air in waves. These elements all combine to produce the very epitome of what a good action sequence (in my world) is all about. In summary: Fuckin' a, right on.
Two thirds of this movie held me in thrall but unfortunately by the end I had totally lost interest. Without giving too much of the plot away, I felt that the ending was needlessly drawn out and that themes which could have been accomplished in 1 scene were repeated almost to the point of being painful. I didn't care enough about two of the main characters to feel particularly moved at the outcome.
It must be noted that even while being painful, the movie still looked fucking awesome. This eases the pain considerably. I think essentially what I wanted to see was an action movie, and what I got was a love story movie that just happened to have a lot of action in it.
I would have dearly loved to develop the plot into more about the House of Flying Daggers. What starts out as such a great theme, with plenty of dark, mystery and awe really had me hooked. When the House finally made an appearance I was on the verge of cheering. After that, though, we saw no more. Sniff.
I still had a great time, and would recommend it to those who are fans of Hero or Crouching Tiger. You should just know what you're getting into so you don't feel gipped. What disturbs me greatly is that for once I actually agree with a movie reviewer. I must need a cup of tea.
I still want Zhiyi's love child. She can do no wrong in my eyes. *shudder*
posted by CatSpit at
2:02 PM
but then, for you - i'll share.
after all, a bald in the hand is worth two in the bush.
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