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Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Liu Yi Fei, Tamaki Hiroshi, Su You Peng
In the year 198 BC, Cao Cao (CHOW YUN FAT), Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty, ventured to the east and defeated China s greatest warrior Lu Bu, terrifying every ambitious warlord across the country. Several years later, after taking the Han Emperor under his wing, Cao crowns himself King of Wei. He built a magnificent Bronze Sparrow Island to symbolize his power and rumors spread that he would replace the Emperor.
Meanwhile, young lovers Mu Shun (TAMAKI HIROSHI) and Ling Ju (CRYSTAL LIU YI FEI) are taken from a prison camp to a hidden tomb, where they spend five cruel years together, training as assassins for a secret mission. In the year 220 BC astronomical signs predict dramatic change. As a result, Cao s son Cao Pi (QIU XIN ZHI) and Cao s followers urge Cao to become the new Emperor - but unknown and opposing forces plot against him.
"The Assassins" is yet another film that takes place during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history and focuses on the warlord Cao Cao in his old age and the relationship between him and his son, while planning to take the throne and avoid being assassinated. What has become the norm with Asian cinema the film looks amazing and the performances are all fantastic. Chow Yun-Fat has walked away from the action genre he became so known for and has taken on more age appropriate dramas. Even though his action says are long behind him he still brings a rare presence to the screen and He has never been better here.
As far as the story goes it's a solid film but don't expect a lot of action here, this is instead more a drama that deals with the political side of things and the family instead of being action packed. The story is never boring and it grabs your attention right from the start just don't expect all action here and you should be fine. What I liked most about the film was that it it gave me a new look at Cao Cao than other films about the Three Kingdoms have given me. The story also brings in a number of different characters which makes it all more interesting.
Don't get me wrong I love a martial arts/swordplay film as much as the next guy but I enjoyed the character-driven approach this time around especially since there has many numerous takes on the era already.
Available on DVD and Blu-ray, both come with Special Features that include:
Behind the Scenes
Trailer
You can order the DVD HERE and the Blu-ray HERE.
Released by Well Go USA
**** Out Of *****