Directed by : Hsiao-Hsien Hou
Written by : Cheng Ah, T'ien-wen Chu, Hsiao-Hsien Hou, Hai-Meng Hsieh
Starring : Qi Shu, Chen Chang, Yun Zhou, Hsin-Ying Hsieh,
Release Date : August 27, 2015
I don't think it can be disputed that "The Assassin" is a very beautiful movie to watch. There are a lot of pretty and gorgeous scenes set in nature and inside homes, filled with characters wearing fantastic costumes from that era, that are all framed just perfectly, with a sound design that transports the viewers into the world inside the movie. The visuals amazingly demonstrates what could intricately be captured on film, and it is to be lauded. The issue that a lot of people will likely have is that the movie focuses on that aspect a little too much. But that's to be expected from visionary film maker Hou Hsiao-Hsien.
Although there are action sequences in this; albeit very few and brief, this is not yet another typical martial arts film. This is for lack of a better term, an art film. The pacing is very very very slow, to the point that many scenes can be hypnotizing to watch, like staring outside a window for one or two whole minutes, and doing nothing. It's common here to find a lengthy scene that just shows people preparing a hot bath, or a lengthy scene that just shows characters walking away into the distance, or another lengthy scene of someone sitting down lost in thought. Tons of lingering scenes that will test your patience.
If you're looking for a traditionally told narrative, you're not going to get that here. The premise is honestly very interesting though, filled with political intrigue, a Shakespearean romantic angle, and philosophical conflicts. However, this film doesn't care to hold your hand through the story, and kinda expects you to figure it out for yourself. The characters themselves; who were played well enough by the cast, also felt underdeveloped, but that's only because the underlying depth isn't designed to be obviously apparent.
Needless to say "The Assassin" is absolutely not for everybody. It demands absolute patience and an assumed understanding of the culture and story of what the film is about. One could argue that it's a very meditative and calming movie to watch. One could also argue that it's just like watching a screen saver.
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