I discovered this movie after seeing it listed in BBC news’ top 20 films of 2015; it was at the very top of their list, and I couldn't ignore that given how often I check the news. Initially, I thought I had found a South Korean film called 'Assassination,' which I previously reviewed on this blog, but quickly realized my mistake. I finally got around to watching this Mandarin-language film, though it wasn’t what I anticipated. It received critical praise but didn't perform well commercially due to its deliberate pacing. The production was a collaboration between China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, yet Taiwan submitted it for the Oscars, where it did not advance. It may be difficult for some viewers to follow along because it isn’t presented as a typical historical film with an introductory voiceover or text—except for the opening scene which establishes the setting. The lack of character development caused many problems. I strongly recommend reading the synopsis beforehand and looking at a character guide afterward. The story unfolds in 8th-century China, during the final years of the Tang Dynasty. An assassin fails to complete her mission, so she’s sent to another province for a new assignment where she begins to recall fragments of her past and its connection to her work. With turmoil within the royal family and political instability threatening the dynasty's collapse, conflict becomes unavoidable. The rest of the story reveals how the film concludes in a realistic way. > "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." As someone who loves films, I generally enjoy everything I watch, though entertainment remains my top priority, followed by message, education, and inspiration. I’ve seen many similar movies that left me feeling unsatisfied. A film without music feels like a silent lullaby. The only memorable musical moment came during the final scene—it reminded me of Oasis; it was a beautiful sound throughout the entire movie. I didn't appreciate the slow camera panning or fixed shots held for extended periods, which are common in films with similar themes. I value efforts to portray historical events on film, but the style of narration is crucial if you want audience support. This kind of film seems better suited for film festivals; critics clearly appreciated it, though I can’t understand how they missed its potential fate. It's a slow-paced film, but the action sequences were exciting. The fight scenes are well-composed and realistic—something people often remember about Chinese films. However, be warned: this isn’t primarily a martial arts movie; you only encounter those moments occasionally. It's not even a horror film, yet there was a scene involving smoke that startled me considerably. I had become so bored by that point that it woke me up. The cinematography showcased beautiful outdoor locations, resembling classical Chinese paintings. The performances weren’t particularly impressive to me; while I appreciate the actors’ efforts, the story's lack of a central perspective meant everyone seemed to have equal screen time. Overall, I didn’t enjoy this film and won’t recommend it. However, if you are interested in ancient Chinese history or appreciate art films, you might want to give it a try. This is the first low-rated movie I've reviewed on this blog—something I’d been avoiding until now—but I’ve decided to review films of all ratings from here on out. 3/10

Source on TMDB