I had some reservations going in, given the varied reactions to it, but I remained optimistic—and thankfully, my instincts proved correct; this is truly a remarkable film! It was so captivating that I actually missed the last bus home because I was too busy talking about it afterward—if that's not a recommendation, I don’t know what is. If you’re familiar with Hero and House of Flying Daggers, you have a good idea of what to anticipate regarding the story: it’s loosely based on historical events involving a group of rebels plotting against an oppressive regime, all wrapped up in a convoluted narrative where allegiances constantly change, presenting a complex political situation that's too intricate for anyone to fully understand. However, Zhang seems less concerned with visual flair than he used to be; while the action is still present—and incredibly violent, showcasing the harsh realities of Chinese history—it’s not nearly as visually striking as his earlier work. This change ultimately benefits the film, allowing it to concentrate on the central mystery it attempts to solve. The characters are more appealing and their reasons for acting are easier to understand because they aren't quite so distant—Jackson Yee is a holdover from that previous style, but it works wonderfully as his straightforwardness sharply contrasts with all the craziness he finds himself in. The humor is essential to this, weaving clever jokes throughout the impressive script, with each discovery and moment of sadness highlighted by an ongoing pursuit of comedy that keeps the suspense lighthearted. And when the audience is enjoying the humor just as much as you are, it becomes even more charming. Zhang has dabbled in comedy before, starting with Red Sorghum; however, it took comedic talents like Shen Teng and Zhang Yi to fully unlock its potential by bringing their own unique charisma to the jokes. It might very well be Zhang’s most enjoyable film yet; combining that with his most skillfully written and imaginative—and equally emotionally resonant and heartfelt—screenplay in years elevates the entire experience.

Source on TMDB