THE ASSASSIN (Cannes Film Festival Cannes France 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Assassin is difficult to follow and leaves the viewer with the feeling that there’s a larger story with a significant meaning that cannot be understood unless one has the cultural history to decipher content within the setting. Without the necessary background information, the story seems contrary and convoluted.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A young girl Nie Yianniang (Qi Shu) is adopted and trained to be an assassin by Princess-Nun Jiaxin (Fang-yi Sheu). When grown, she is ordered to kill corrupt government officials. She fails a mission because she chooses to show pity. Princess-Nun punishes Nie Yianniang by ordering her to kill a former fiancé.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hsiao-Hsien Hou for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Yi-Qi Chen, Tai-Chiang Gou, Hsiao-Hsien Hou, Peter Lam, Kuen Lin, and Tzu-Hsien for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tian Ji’an (Chen Chang), Lady Tian (Yun Zhou), The Mirror Polisher (Satoshi Tsumabuki), Provost Nie Feng (Dahong Ni), Yinniang’ Mother (Mei Young), Tien Xing (Zhen Yu Lei), Huji (Nikki Hsieh), Xia Jing (Ethan Juan), Princess Jiacheng/Princess-Nun Jiaxin (Fang-Yi Sheu), and Lady Tian’s Teacher (Jacques Picoux).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film needs some backstory before you watch to enjoy it.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers