Murril Merryweather
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House of Flying Daggers
Ok some of you may have heard me raving about this film... ok ok me raving isn't unusual 
The film is set in ancient China around 900AD. It tells the tale of two Captains in the Chinese Militia and their fight against a band of ruthless assassins, however everything isn't as it seems.
The film is in Chinese and has English Subtitles. I can almost hear some of you saying "ugh" at this point, but please bear with me.
The film was directed by Zhang Yimou - who also produced "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and was the director of "Hero"
If you have seen either of these films you will know what to expect of "House of Flying Daggers".
Its a martial arts film - the plot initially has a few flaws, but by the end third it picks up and it has a powerful ending.
The cinematography is in my belief some of the most stunning that I have ever seen. The colours are awesome and if any film deserves to be seen in the Cinema - then this is it. If you haven't got a local Cinema that shows this - then you need a Large screen TV to do it justice. A good sound system is a must too.
As with a lot of films of this genre - CGi special effects have taken hold. With some of them in this film you have to literally suspend belief - though saying that I view films as escapist entertainment - after all we all believe that in a Galaxy Far Far away a vast Intergalactic war is taking place - if you cannot suspend your belief whilst watching a film then what on earth are you wasting your time for
In the main though the CGi effects are very well done.
I tried explaining to some friends the other day about the colours in this film. There are scenes in a Forest where its green. Not just green but REALLY green - it sounds daft but when you see it you will know what I mean.
The actors are excellent - Ziyu Zhang - who plays Mei is absolutely stunning, possibly one of the most beautiful actresses alive today.
Andy Lau as Leo gives an excellent performance as one of the Militia Captains as does Takeshi Kaneshiro (you can see why millions of Japanese and Korean Women swoon over him).
All in all an excellent film and one that will have you watching it for a second and third time in close sucession - purely to see how all the little pieces of plot stick together. Its worth doing since on sucessive viewing you have a knowledge of each character that makes you realise just how important each part is and how they are all manipulating each other (thats all I'm going to say on the matter - watch it and see).
If you do want to see a small trailer of the film - take a look at this site - it has a good preview video and excellent pictures and info re the cast and film. If you don't have Macromedia Flash installed it prompts you to load it prior to viewing the site (its a very small download and worth it).
http://www.sonyclassics.com/houseofflyingdaggers/trailer-open.html
Murril
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5/23/2005, 11:52 am
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Tearr
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Re: House of Flying Daggers
I have yet to see this film but having seen and owning "Croughing tiger" and borrowing "Hero" it's one i'm looking forward too.
Films with subtitles are great, I personaly feel you get more out of the film with subtitles. Reading the story line embeddes the info better into ur brain rather than having it just wash over you. Also I tend to view the film multiple time as one showing isn't enough to get all the info.
One thing I have found with these films is the attitude people have to them. The "I don't like Kung-Fu films" people are missing out. If you are one of these people, give anyone of these 3 films a chance.
--- Tearr 70th level Shamy
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5/23/2005, 1:22 pm
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Murril Merryweather
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Re: House of Flying Daggers
Quite agree Tearr. The subtitles do add a lot to the film particularly if they are done well. Its almost like reading a book and watching the pictures come alive before your eyes.
I also agree with the "Kung Fu" analogy. If anyone is reading this and thinks these films fall into that category - think again.
I'm sure we've all watched Cowboy films, Robin Hood Films, Star Wars etc. These films are the Medieval Oriental Equivilent, the sword scenes are excellent and I would say far more stylish than any lightsaber battle
Murril
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5/23/2005, 5:00 pm
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Tearr
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Re: House of Flying Daggers
I took time out today and saw this film. It is as good as Murril said in his first post.
The story line flowed along and was easy to keep up with reading the subtitles. If you miss a few lines, as I often do, you will not find you self losing the plot.
The CGI I found did not detract from the film at all. It all fited in well, at no point did I find myself thinking "oh here is the big SFX bit" that you get with alot of western films.
One thing you also get in alot of the oriental films I have seen is live action wire work and stunts. The guy flying from tree to tree look real beacuse he is.
It is also worth a note that this dosn't contain start to finish fight sceens. Well worth a taking the time to see it. If this is you first look at this type of film genre this film is a good place to start.
--- Tearr 70th level Shamy
The only foolish questions are the ones that remain unasked. |
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5/30/2005, 6:53 pm
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Dar
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Re: House of Flying Daggers
Still trying to see this one. As of yesterday when I rented some videos for the weekend all the copies were still out. Will try again next weekend.
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6/24/2005, 12:06 pm
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Murril Merryweather
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Re: House of Flying Daggers
You seen this yet Dar? If not you are missing a visual treat - if I remember right you've got a HUGE TV setup? It will be excellent - crank up the volume - turn off the lights and be prepared to be blown away by the visuals.
Murril
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7/6/2005, 8:56 pm
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Dar
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Re: House of Flying Daggers
Going to rent it soon. This week due to company rented movies the young likes. Racing stripe, the Pacifier, and shark tales.
Noticed it was finally available so should be able to rent it soon!! I cant wait....!!!!
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7/15/2005, 5:13 pm
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Dar
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Re: House of Flying Daggers
Rented House of Flying daggers yesterday! WOW!!! It is stunning and wonderful. Planning on trying to watch it again today.
I loved it.
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7/31/2005, 11:11 am
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Revlin
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Re: House of Flying Daggers
Dar, rent HERO - same style cinematography.. beautiful movie. If you liked house of flying daggers, you'll enjoy this too.
--- Revlin Herobane
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- A Frog Is Just A Dragon That Has Not Evolved! - |
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8/6/2005, 1:38 pm
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Dar
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Re: House of Flying Daggers
Saw Hero this afternoon. Was great!!! 
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9/19/2005, 1:47 am
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