Horst in Translation ([email protected]) "Nie yin niang" or "The Assassin" is a Taiwanese Mandarin-language movie from 2015. The director is Hsiao-Hsien Hou (a filmmaker for a very long time), who won at Cannes for his work here, and he is also one of the several writers coming up with the script here. This one was nominated for a BAFTA (lost to the Argentinian entry) and was also Taiwan's official submission to the Oscars, but did not even make the short-list. It runs for approximately 105 minutes and it is a tale of murder as the title already tells audiences. As with most productions from China, Hongkong and Taiwan these days, the visual side in terms of costumes, sets decoration, art direction and cinematography is really strong. But sadly I must say this is also the only are where the film really delivers. The acting is so-so, the fight sequences are okay too, but the story and plot as a whole never really made me care at all. I liked the general plot idea of the woman being out to kill the man, but not immediately, which is why they meet on several occasions and he was probably very scared the longer the film goes because of how gifted she seems to be as a fighter, even if he won't let us see that. But all the side plots about minor characters added pretty much nothing to the overall outcome. And the consequence was that the film dragged a whole lot during these scenes, every time when we don't see the two protagonists together, which was basically 75% of the film, maybe more. I somehow did like the ending though because her decision fit nicely with the film's general tone and the character's mostly peaceful approach. Something different fur sure. However, you could also argue that the ending renders everything pointless that happened before and I cannot really disagree. I do believe that all these awards bodies that praised this film here really liked the ending and forgot about the mediocre 90 minutes before that. Well.. I don't and that's why I give this one a thumbs-down. Not recommended. So many writers and such a weak outcome. Truly disappointing. The martial arts component is barely existing in this film, even if it is always there somehow nonetheless, even if we don't see it, but sadly the entertainment factor isn't. Thumbs down.

rxcarrington I watched this movie with a few friends. We had no idea what to expect. Unfortunately we were intensely bored and disappointed. It's an insufferably boring "film" that pans across disparate elements that never seem to tie together at all.It took far too long. It made little sense and was intensely boring. The most interesting element was the old man with the white beard getting shot with crossbows. Aside from that there was far too much attempted, meaningless symbolism.For much of the film, especially in many of the later scenes of the movie, I really did not know who the characters were or what they were trying to accomplish. The film would introduce random characters with no explanation as to who they were or who they were interacting with. Then whisk them out again never to be seen again. They may as well have not been there. In fact they shouldn't have been since they served no purpose for the story and cluttered the scenes.Avoid it.

Reno Rangan I found this film when it was listed in the BBC news' top 20 films of the 2015. This film topped the chart, then how can I just ignore which is my prime world news feed. The fun part was I saw a South Korean film called 'Assassination' believed to be this, but very I soon realised the mistake. Anyhow, I loved the Korean film that I reviewed a couple of moths ago on this same blog.Finally, I managed to see this Mandarin film, but it was not anything like I've been expecting. Critically acclaimed film, but commercially failed because of the slow narration. Jointly produced by China-Hong Kong-Taiwan, but selected as a Taiwanese entry to the Oscars that failed to make a progress to the main event.Not everybody can easily follow this narration. Because this is not a typical historical film presentation with a clear introduction like in the background voice or in the texts, except in the opening that letting us know where and how it begins. The lack of the character development is the factor for all the complication. So I strongly suggest to read the synopsis before the watch and have a look at the film character infographic once finished watching.The story sets in the 8th century China during the final years of the Tang Dynasty. When a well trained assassin failed to accomplish the mission directed by her master, she is sent to another province for another assignment where she starts to remember her past that she has some connection with her undertaking. With all the bad things happening in and around the royal family, state politics et cetera, the rift is inevitable that anytime the dynasty might fall. The remaining the tale reveals how the film ends with a realistic approach."The way of the sword is pitiless. Saintly virtues play no part in it. Your skills are matchless, but your mind is hostage to human sentiments."I am a film fanatic, so basically I love all the films I watch. But I prefer entertainment the most, followed by the message, education, inspiration, true events et cetera. I had seen many films like this that I mostly ended up unsatisfied. Because a film without the background score as same as silent lullaby. Speaking of music, when the film was in the final scene there came a music which I compare to oasis. That's the beautiful sound I have heard in this entire narration. Slow camera panning and fixed cameras for minutes is what I disliked in it or any similar themed films.I appreciate the effort to preserve the historical account in a film format, but the type of narration matters a lot if they expect the audiences backing. A film like this is specially made for film festivals, surely critics love it and as I heard they did. I can't believe even if the film critics failed to recognise what would be the film's fate.So it is a slow film then, but when the stunt sequences appeared, I was thrilled with my full attention. Well composed realistic fights, that's what anybody remembers when they think of Chinese films. But I warn you this is not a complete martial art film except now and then you encounter such scenes. It is not even a horror, but there was a scene with smoke which scared the hell out of me. I was not expecting such thing, besides, I was bored to death when this thing came I woke up.The film was shot in the beautiful outdoor places. Apart from the stunts, I loved the landscapes which were just resembled the classical Chinese paintings. I did not find any performances that impressive. I appreciate their effort, but since the story was told without anyone's particular perspective, felt like everyone had equal scope for their roles.Overall, I did not like the film and I'm not suggesting it to anybody. But if you are interested in the Chinese ancient history or love the art films then you could try it. This is first low rated film to review on this blog which is I've been avoiding since the beginning, but decided to write for all kinds of rating now onwards.3/10

billcr12 The Assassin is promoted as a martial arts film, which is extremely misleading, as we see very few fight scenes. Shu Qi is the lead as a female killer, Nie Yinniang, in seventh century China. She was given to a nun as a small child, and after some unseen battle training returns to her birth place to kill corrupt political and military leaders. Qui is stunning and the cinematography breathtaking; first in black and white with shadows, an obvious Citizen Kane influence, to magnificent color shots of pastel looking silk finery and opulent palaces. The problem is the slow pace and somewhat confusing story line. Viewed as a visual piece, it succeeds, but I would have preferred a more clear cut theme. I will still recommend The Assassin for the beautiful Shu Qi, and the richness of the scenery.