House of Flying Daggers
Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Zhang Ziyi.
Directed by: Zhang Yimou
Rated: PG-13 for sequences of stylized martial arts violence, and some sexuality.
Parental Notes: The super-stylized violence here is unlikely to be a problem for teens and mature youngsters, but there are two brief attempted-rape sequences which some may find distressing.
Between “House of Flying Daggers” and “Hero,” Zhang Yimou is in danger of being forever associated with the super-stylized, hyper-aesthetized action films which these two epitomize. Both films make extensive use of melodrama, impossibly graceful (and physics-defying) martial arts, and the artistic (rather than realistic) use of color. For viewers who love having beautiful martial images wash over them, these two films are pure bliss. However, those who prefer believable storylines or realistic fight sequences, will likely be unimpressed.
The story in “House of Flying Daggers” is fairly straightforward, though filled with intrigue. Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro) and Leo (Andy Lau) are officers of the local police, doing their best to enforce the law of the fading Tang Dynasty. They learn that the local brothel
*yawn*
Gah. I’m home sick tonight – was supposed to go to Aikido and then tutor, but had to cancel both. So unfair. I’m used to my stomach being tetchy when I’m stressed, but I’m in pain here! So unfair. I…