Not Rated | 1h 45m | Wuxia, Kung Fu, Martial Arts, Thriller | May 21, 2015
Two donkeys.
That’s the opening shot. You’ve never seen such artistically rendered cinematic donkeys. Shot in black and white, the framing, the geometry, the rhythm of swaying branches, morphing abstract shapes suddenly recognizable; the image absolutely sings.
Nie Yinniang, an apprentice assassin (Shu Qi, L) and her Taoist martial arts teacher Princess Jiaxin (Fang-yi Sheu), in “The Assassin.” (Well Go USA)
Then we have a slow segue to two female figures, standing in the forest shadows, alongside their furry transportation. Taoist martial artists. Assassins. A master (a nun) and her student; like two exotic lynxes, stalking prey. Stunning.
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