Hou Hsiao-Hsien's Wuxia Epic 'The Assassin' Astonishes Cannes

The historic plot machinations of "The Assassin" are tricky to follow for westerners not steeped in wuxia culture. The simple version of the story involves a young woman (star Shu Qi) screwed out of her inheritance who is sent to train as a warrior and given a distasteful assignment back at her ancestral home. There is little talking and fitful action; some scenes are filtered through gauzy layers and flickering candles. The countryside is shot with astonishing clarity by Wong Kar-wai stalwart Mark Ping Bing Lee, from cliffside caves and waterfalls to creaking insects and crooning birds. You are back in an ancient time of virgin forests and powerful wizards and their spells....

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