'The Assassin' A Review

The Assassin is a martial arts drama set in 9th century China. It follows Nie Yinniang(Shu Qi) the titular assasin who shows mercy on one of her missions and is then punished by her master Jiaxin(Fang-Yi Sheu) a Taoist nun. She is sent to far off province Weibo to kill the military governor who is also her cousin and former betrothed.

The film is visually lush and expansive. Sweeping panoramics, quiet flower blossoms, and exqusite interiors. It evokes a sense of the grand and the intimate. The score is incredible, a melding of diegetic and non-diegetic sound, serving to intensify the already palpable mood. There is a stillness and splendor to the film but also a nonchalance which makes it feel incredibly unique.

The plot is a bit confusing, its never terribly clear who is related to who, the relationships between characters, or what is necessarily at stake. This could be a result of being unfamiliar with Chinese history or the story in question. Ultimately this uncertainty doesn't hamstring the story's momentum but does demand a little more focus.

Stunning cinematography, an eerie evocative soundscape, a hard-to-follow but worthwhile narrative.

See It.