Two children struggle to find food amidst a war zone. A girl employs trickery to obtain a cake that the boy discovered. While running away with it, she accidentally drops it into the water. A female spirit then presents her with an offer: if she never experiences true love, she will never know hunger (= wealth) again. She consents to this condition. General Guangming (Hiroyuki Sanada) achieves another victory in battle. He encounters the spirit—appearing as a person—who informs him that someone will assassinate the king and tarnish his reputation. He sustains an injury but is rescued by Kunlun (Dong-Gun Jang), a slave. Guangming dispatches him to the palace with instructions to protect the king, describing him as the only one without any weapons. Kunlun then kills the king and flees with Qinsheng (Cecilia Cheung); they are cornered by soldiers and decide to leap off a cliff together to ensure her safety. General Guanming confronts his own troops and is rescued once more by Kunlun. He subsequently meets Qinsheng and develops feelings for her. This film operates as a Chinese fairytale. The narrative itself isn't complex; the focus lies on the characters, the consequences of their decisions, and the lessons demonstrated by all involved—even those portrayed negatively. It’s sometimes referred to as "The Promise" (referring to the girl’s vow) or "Legend of the Wind Riders" (a nod to Kunlun's tribal origins). There are elements of Wuxia present, including impressive sword fights, extraordinary leaps, and fast-paced chases. Director Chen Kaige utilizes vibrant colors that infuse the film with intensity and vitality, whether through landscapes or costumes. The central characters, Kunlun and Qinsheng, find themselves at the mercy of fate and can only attempt to navigate their circumstances as best they can. The movie is primarily a drama about well-intentioned individuals striving to maintain their honor and pursue their desires until their final moments. A truly noteworthy film.

Source on TMDB