House Of Flying Daggers
(Sony Pictures Classics)

Combining breathtaking action, intricate combat sequences and a classic love triangle, House Of Flying Daggers is a treat for the eyes and will appeal to anyone who loved Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or Hero, also directed by Yimou Zhang.

Set in ancient China, a revolutionary group known as the House of Flying Daggers are attempting to overthrow local governments of the corrupt Tang Dynasty. Two local officers receive word that members of this renegade organization are working at the local brothel and devise a plan to draw them out. Here they meet Mei - a blind dancer, whose dancing skills surpass those with all their senses intact. After Mei is discovered to be a member of the Daggers, one of the officers poses as a sympathizer to the cause and breaks her out of jail, hoping that she will lead him to her headquarters and the leader of their group. Making their escape through a bamboo forest, they're pursued by mysterious armed men who fly from the treetops and attack with deadly bamboo spears. Upon reaching their destination, the plot takes a few twists that serve to complicate everyone's situation – you best believe I’m talkin’ bout luv!

There are some amazing visual effects: the "echo dance" and the chase scenes in the forest being the most striking, but there are more than a few weak moments in the story lines and the ending will leave some viewers dissatisfied. However, the colors, special effects and acrobatics are enthralling and more than make up for the plot holes. - David Bassin