House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu)

Andy Lau, Anita Mui, Dandan Song

Set in the year is 859 AD, as China's once flourishing Tang Dynasty is in decline; unrest is raging throughout the land. The corrupt government is locked in battle with rebel armies that are forming i...( read more  read more... )n protest. The largest, and most prestigious of these rebel groups is the House of Flying Daggers, which is growing ever more powerful under a mysterious new leader. Two local captains, Leo and Jin are ordered to capture the new leader and the two hatch an elaborate plan. Captain Jin will pretend to be a lone warrior called Wind and rescue the beautiful, blind revolutionary Mei from prison, earning her trust and escorting her to the secret headquarters of the House of Flying Daggers. The plan works, but to their surprise, Jin and Mei fall deeply in love on their long journey to the House. Danger lurks in the forest surrounding them, and the wind is still, as if sensing the tension in the air. What lies ahead for Jin and Mei, these star-crossed lovers? If this is true love, then why are there plots in their heads, and secrets in their hearts?

Flixster Users

81% liked it

Critics

88% liked it

PG-13, 1 hr. 59 min.

Directed by: Yimou Zhang

Released: December 3, 2004

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DVD Released: March 29, 2005

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Critic Reviews


View more House of F... reviews at RottenTomatoes.com
May 4, 2005
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness

Wonderfully conveys how the act of loving another can be a game, a sacrifice, a ruse, a weapon, a betrayal, and, most of all, a political act. full review

December 17, 2004
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

This is the sort of film we're intended to wallow in, barely coming up for air -- so dazzled, we barely need to breathe. full review

December 17, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The film is so good to look at and listen to that, as with some operas, the story is almost beside the point, serving primarily to get us from one spectacular scene to another. full review

December 15, 2004
David Edelstein, Slate

This is the most intoxicatingly beautiful martial arts picture I've ever seen. full review

December 12, 2004
Edward Havens, FilmJerk.com

For what "Daggers" is, a chop-socky epic, it is a stunning work worthy of inclusion with the best of the genre. full review

December 7, 2004
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker

Zhang could not shoot an unbeautiful scene if he tried. full review

December 3, 2004
Claudia Puig, USA Today

House of Flying Daggers is the rare film that inspires audiences to suspend a sense of reality and allow themselves to be transported, as if under a spell, to an alternate, fantastic world. full review

November 18, 2004
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Prepare your eyes for popping. full review

October 14, 2004
A.O. Scott, The New York Times

Though it is in constant, breathtaking motion, Zhang Yimou's gorgeous entertainment is not especially moving. full review

Comments


  • berenpurple
    October 13, 2007
    amazing film.the special efects are incredible great actors its really one of the best movies there is :)
  • robfromthenorth
    September 11, 2007
    Absolute mesmerising.
    Flying Daggers is about nothing more & nothing less.
  • fayesan
    August 10, 2007
    this film is amazing, the film had shocking twists, excellent battle scenes and was like nothing I've ever seen before. Zhang Ziyi looked stunning - a great film
  • Jess0461
    April 14, 2007
    This movie was incredible! My favourtie asian movie! I love the dance scenes with Zhang and that last scene, the epic battle is just breathtaking! Get's me everytime, its so powerful! I love the way how it looks like they've been fighting for ages when it starts to snow! Amazing!
  • dannycook123
    February 26, 2007
    All FANS of ZHANG ZIYI who are on BEBO please become a GROUPIE of ZHANG ZIYI's FAN page at,

    http://Zhang-Ziyi-Fans. bebo.com

    thanks.

    P.S Zhang Ziyi is rules.
  • AlexandrieaAurora
    February 18, 2007
    Good evening..just wanted to add my two bits..lol
    Truly a captivating movie..the director-Zhang Yimou took the storytelling to a whole new level..as any related films like (hero)(crouching tiger hidden dragon), ect..carry..
    I love the length, the enviorement,as well as the awesome actors an actresses who TRULY HAVE TALENT (an they didn't have to take their clothes off or run around with little or none on!)..very few american,canadian/british-actors can bring any- character to life -as these accomplished actors have done for so long already..If i met any of these actors an actresses from (house of flying daggers)-Zhang, Takeshi,Andy, Anita- I would be truly honored to know them. I hope more come out..take care.
  • capricorn0804
    December 22, 2006
    i looooooove zhang aiyi.every1 shd watch this movie
  • onefinalhit
    December 17, 2006
    This movie was brilliant. Such elaborate, ornate beauty and rich colour.
  • johnpaullucky7
    September 2, 2006
    i love this movie i gave it a 5 its a very sad movie brilliant effects in this movie Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau and Ziyi Zhang wow she is hot, 3 great people doing this movie only thing i hate about it is the subtitles cause they always go to fast for me but still from me you must see this. asia always makes the best movies i think. this is a classic
  • jessicabeebe
    July 12, 2006
    i love this movie. this movies is Hot.

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