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House Of Flying Daggers Thoughts/Review by evolutionzz
Just got back from a holiday in Hong Kong where I managed to get to see House Of Flying Daggers just as Zhang Yimou intended. No, not a pirate DVD, but on the big screen of course!!
The story of HOFD focuses around the terrorist organisation of the "Flying Daggers". Two goverment officers (Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro) attempting to bring down the "Flying Daggers," trace a blind dancer by the name of Mei (Ziyi) whom they suspect of having connections with the group. Thus an elaborate plan is hatched which sees Takeshi Kaneshiro's character working undercover to follow Mei to the "Flying Daggers" organisation.
A lot has been said about Yimou claiming that "Hero" was merely a dry run for HOFD, and I for one would have to agree that this is the case. I was never a big fan of "Hero" (in fact, I hated it), but HOFD really does restore my faith in Zhang Yimou.
One of HOFD most appealing features is its beautifully choreagraphed fight scenes. Its refreshing to see in an age of film where every martial arts film appears to be trying to copy the wire-fu exploits of CTHD and the Matrix, certain directors are willing to try new methods. HOFD is such a film, and some of the fight scenes show a level of intensity and style that both CTHD and Matrix would struggle to match.
Remember the famous tree tops scene in CTHD? Yimou hasnt simply bettered it with HOFD's bamboo forest scene, he has rendered it merely ordinary against what has to be the highlight of HOFD.
Zhang Yimou and company have also included some brilliant comic touches. Look out for the scene where Ziyi is bathing and Takeshi Kaneshiro tries to be a peeping tom. Very funny.
Naturally, it goes without saying that Zhang Ziyi's performance in the film is excellent. Her portrayl of a blind dancer is very convincing, and the depth of her acting abilities are called for later in the film with a series of plot twists.
Bad points? There are a few. I dont no why, but as with HERO, Yimou seemed intent on adding a few cheesey cinematic touches which really do bring the film down. The concept of "Flying Daggers" is a bit overdone whereby someone would throw a dagger, and the dagger would bounce off numerous rocks and shields before catching an enemy directly between the eyes. Does Yimou really expect us to find that believable?
Also, HOFD contains a lot of plot twists. Even more plot twits than Infernal Affairs. Though its difficult to say having seen the film just once, but I'm sure the plot twists open up a few holes in the plot.
These bad points aside, HOFD really is a special film. If Sony Pictures (they have got the rights havent they?) make a few tiny edits, namely toning down Yimou's over elaborate effects, there's no reason why HOFD cant be as succesful as CTHD. 
Discussions
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