Zhang Ziyi!

[Southern Crane]

You've never seen The Road Home, babybunny? $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/eek.gif')

Her characters in both The Road Home and Xing Xing Dian Deng would never hurt a fly. $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/hearts.gif')


A very versatile actress, that Zhang Ziyi. $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/smokin.gif')

[tevar33]

Hi SC,

I had a few questions for you...do you have the Special Edition DVD of "Hero"? On the extras disc there is a "hidden menu" but I'll be damned if I know how to find it. Can you help?

Also I have never seen "Legend of Zu"...is it worth a look? I was wondering if Zhang had a big part in the movie or not. That was it, thanks!

[Southern Crane]

Hello, joe!

Originally posted by tevar33
I had a few questions for you...do you have the Special Edition DVD of "Hero"? On the extras disc there is a "hidden menu" but I'll be damned if I know how to find it. Can you help?

I've had the 2 DVD Hero Set for nearly a year and have yet to see it. So, I really can't be of any help with the menu at the moment. $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/embarassed.gif')

Can't really explain it. I have been busy. Yet, I think I may be waiting for the theatrical release first...

$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://i3.yesasia.com/assets/imgs/videos/91/p1002548491.jpg')

Originally posted by tevar33
Also I have never seen "Legend of Zu"...is it worth a look? I was wondering if Zhang had a big part in the movie or not. That was it, thanks!

Frankly, Ziyi had a minor, more or less insignificant role in The Legend of Zu. Unfortunately, shooting was completed before the release of CTHD, so Tsui Hark did not fully exploit Ziyi's potential as a great actress in his film. A lesson learned by filmmakers there after.

Given the script handed to her, Ziyi's acting was good. But imo Joy's (Ziyi - an army general) romance with Thunder (Patrick Tam) was a side story with little if any affect on the main story of the fight against the evil Insomnia.

Though Ziyi is waaay underused, I still think Zu is a great film. Beautiful and stunning in its colors and design, but too complicated to understand with just one viewing. It's a magical world still very much associated with the wuxia genre. If you like anime, I think you'd like Zu. It's less a film about gong fu than it is about the eternal conflict between good and evil, though.

If you get it just because Zhang Ziyi's in it, I think you'll be dissappointed. But if you get it because you want to see a wonderful film based in the world of fantasy, and Zhang Ziyi just happens to be in it, you'll enjoy it as much as I do!

[Southern Crane]

Ziyi wins the Best Actress Award for her role in House of Flying Daggers! $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/happy.gif')


$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://news3.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-07/25/xinsrc_220701251145572963678.jpg')

$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://news3.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-07/25/xinsrc_2107012511450501352375.jpg') $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://news3.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-07/25/xinsrc_2107012511456412055476.jpg')

This is *only* just the beginning... $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/smokin.gif')

[Southern Crane]

Just got it from a very reliable source that Zhang Ziyi will appear on the TV program "Entertainment Tonight" tomorrow, Thursday, August 26 at 7pm (EST and PST) on the CBS network.


My sister tells me that ET comes on in San Antonio, Tx at 6:30 PM CST, so check your local listings. $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/finger.gif')

[koshi]

Originally posted by Southern Crane
Ziyi wins the Best Actress Award for her role in House of Flying Daggers! $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/happy.gif')


$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://news3.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-07/25/xinsrc_220701251145572963678.jpg')

$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://news3.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-07/25/xinsrc_2107012511450501352375.jpg') $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://news3.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-07/25/xinsrc_2107012511456412055476.jpg')

This is *only* just the beginning... $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/smokin.gif')

Congratulation, ziyi!

[CyberMonk]

Has anyone heard about the movie she is gonna do with Adam Sandler?
"Good Cook, Likes Music"

There is a link below with a general plot outline

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363650/

[tevar33]

I read in the NY Post today (October 8) that Zhang Ziyi will star in new StevenSpielberg movie "Geisha". Anybody read this also?

[Southern Crane]

Has anyone heard about the movie she is gonna do with Adam Sandler?
"Good Cook, Likes Music"

There is a link below with a general plot outline

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363650/

I don't think a production date has been set or that she's even signed. But I did receive an email from Happy Madison, Adam Sandler's production, stating that Ziyi was there a couple years ago.

Lately, however, if she wasn't before, she's clearly now imo hesitant about playing such a role. Zhang Ziyi In Telluride: "After the success of Crouching Tiger, I got a lot of offers. And I always wondered why they could only ask an Asian girl to play a poor girl or a prostitute."

Though I think such a romantic comedy has the potential of expanding her fanbase, most others don't like the idea of such a project further "strerotyping" Asian women. It really depends on the script and acting imo.

[Southern Crane]

I read in the NY Post today (October 8) that Zhang Ziyi will star in new StevenSpielberg movie "Geisha". Anybody read this also?

Yes, it's true.

Zhang Ziyi To Star In Memoirs of a Geisha!
August 19, 2004

It's official!

It's been announced today by the film's producers and senior representatives of Columbia Pictures that British Academy Award nominee Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh, Gong Li, Ken Watanabe, Yôki Kudô and Koji Yakusho have all either signed or are in final negotiations to star in Columbia Pictures / DreamWorks Films / Spyglass Entertainment's feature film adaptation of Memoirs of a Geisha, based on author Arthur Golden's exotic and enthralling best-selling novel.

Written by Ronald Bass, Akiva Goldsman and Robin Swicord, produced by Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher and Steven Spielberg and directed by Rob Marshall, Memoirs of a Geisha will also also utilize the talents of Liza Dalby, world-renowned geisha expert and author of many definitive works on the culture of the geisha, including The Tale of Murasaki, Geisha and Kimono, as consultant in the making of this film.

The primary cast was assembled after an exhaustive search, which began with several months in Japan and continued throughout Asia to find the perfect actor for each role. Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi will portray Sayuri, the beautiful young orphan from a remote fishing village whose life changes forever when she is sent to the city to learn the ways of the geisha. Japanese actor Ken Watanabe will portray 'The Chairman,' the high-powered executive with whom the young geisha, Sayuri, falls in love.

Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh will portray Mameha, the elegant and experienced geisha who becomes Sayuri's mentor. Chinese actress Gong Li will portray Sayuri's stunning and treacherous rival Hatsumomo. Rounding out the principal cast is Japanese actor Koji Yakusho as Nobu, the brilliant but tragic businessman who seeks to become Sayuri's patron and another Japanese star Yôki Kudô as Pumpkin, Sayuri's closest friend since childhood who also struggles on the path to becoming a geisha.

Rob Marshall: "We could not be more excited about the extraordinary cast that we have in place for Memoirs of a Geisha. We are adapting a beloved piece of literature that has become a worldwide sensation, which made it important to me to assemble a cast with a prestigious international profile. I cannot wait to begin production this fall."

Wick and Fisher: "We are thrilled to be using this beautiful piece of literature as an opportunity to bring together some of the greatest actors in the world, and certainly the most distinguished team of Asian actors ever assembled for an American movie."

Spielberg: "From the time I first read Arthur Golden's novel, I wanted to see this as a film. It's a uniquely compelling story rich with characters who take you into a world you have never experienced before, and there is no one better than Rob Marshall to bring all the poetry and artistry of Arthur Golden's novel to movie theaters all over the world."

Zhang Ziyi: "This is the first time that I will play the lead in an English-language movie. It will be a big challenge, but the studios, producers and director have shown great confidence in me. I will continue to do my utmost to make this the best role I've ever played."

Memoirs of a Geisha begins production next month in Los Angeles and Japan for a scheduled 2005 release.

[Southern Crane]

Zhang Ziyi very recently won her *second* Best Actress Golden Rooster Award (essentially, China's version of the Oscars) for her portrayal of Mo, Li and Hua, three generations of women from the same Shanghainese family, in the film Jasmine Women:

http://csc.ziyi.org/news/sept04.html#90413


Congrats! $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/clap.gif')

[Ziyifan]

This 5 minute interview was made during the Toronto Film Festival and was broadcast on City TV. The questions are mostly about House of Flying Daggers.

I think she does fine, considering everything was unscripted. The first question she replies to in mandarin, but all the rest she handles in english. She will be speaking english in her next movie, the lead role in Memoirs of a Geisha.

http://www.helloziyi.us/#interview

$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://www.helloziyi.us/Pictures/ziyi-interview-thumb.jpg')

[Southern Crane]

$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/temp/pictures/Sayuri.jpg')

[Southern Crane]

Memoirs of a Geisha Filming Ends
January 31, 2004

Memoirs of a Geisha (aka Sayuri) — a Columbia Pictures / DreamWorks Films / Spyglass Entertainment feature film adaptation based on author Arthur Golden's exotic and enthralling best-selling novel of the same name, directed by Oscar nominated director Rob Marshall, produced by multiple Oscar award-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg and starring British Academy Award nominee Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh, Gong Li, Ken Watanabe, Kaori Momoi, Youki Kudoh and Koji Yakusho, among others — officially ended filming with a press conference this afternoon at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan. Final scenes were completed over the weekend in Kyoto, the film's setting.

Beginning second from the left, Rob Marshall (director), Gong Li (Hatsumomo), Kaori Momoi (Mother), Michelle Yeoh (Mameha), Ken Watanabe (Chairman Iwamura), Koji Yakusho (Nobu), Youki Kudoh (Pumpkin) and Suzuka Ohgo (Chiyo/Young Sayuri); Michelle Yeoh; and Gong Li at today's press conference:

$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/news/10501s.jpg') $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/news/10502s.jpg') $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/news/10503s.jpg')


Screen captions from the broadcast of Fuji TV's showbiz news program 'FNN Super News'. Cast and crew from the film in attendance; Rob Marshall and Gong Li; Michelle Yeoh and Ken Watanabe; Koji Yakusho as Nobu; Kaori Momoi as Mother; Youki Kudoh and Suzuka Ohgo:

$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/news/10504s.jpg') $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/news/10505s.jpg') $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/news/10506s.jpg')

$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/news/10507s.jpg') $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/news/10508s.jpg') $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/news/10509s.jpg')

More screen captions from 'FNN Super News': 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9


Unfortiunately, in order to keep a prior commitment in Eastern Europe, the film's star, Zhang Ziyi, was not able to attend today's press conference or after-party. Producer Steven Spielberg was also unable to attend. Both sent video messages to be played at the press conference.

Memoirs of a Geisha, scheduled for release in Fall 2005, depicts the life of a poor girl from a small Japanese fishing village sold to a geisha house in Kyoto, Japan during the Great Depression, her ultimate rise to become the most successful geisha in Kyoto's Gion District and her unending desire to be loved by the man she's always loved. Expected to be a strong Oscar contender, Memoirs of a Geisha will have its world premier in Japan and will be released internationally in December 2005.




Thanks to Jangururu for the news update.

[Long]

For those interested, here's my review of Zhang ZiYi's first film, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". I've also done a review of her other films like, "Musa - The Warrior", and "Hero" to be available on thi site on the reviews section shortly.

----------------------------

CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (2000)

Cast:

Chow Yan Fat as Li Mu Bia
Michelle Yeoh as Yu Shu Lien
Zhang ZiYi as Yu Jiao Long
Chang Chen as Lu Xiao Hu aka Dark Cloud

Review

Directed by Ange Lee, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” achieved wide international acclaim not usually associated with this style of wuxia/period film. So loved by audiences was this film that it was nominated for and won numerous awards, including four Oscars at the 73rd Academy Award for ‘Art Direction’, ‘Cinematography’, ‘Original Music Score’, and also best ‘Foreign Language Film’. It was the best achievement and accomplishment in a long time from an Asian film. However, not many of its international fans would know that this movie was actually based on a wuxia novel by Wang Du Lu, for it was not mentioned anywhere in the opening credits, though reference was made to it at the ending credits.

The film opens with a servant shouting in an excited voice, “Li Mu Bia, is here!”, whilst rushing inside to inform the head of the house. Sure enough a welt built man in grey robes his walking towards them whilst leading his horse. He appears to be relaxed and casual. We learn that the man named Li Mu Bia (played by Chow Yat Fat) has travelled from the famous Mount Wudang to see his good friend Yu Shu Lien (played by Michelle Yeoh), who is the head of an escort agency.

Li Mu Bia informs Shu Lien that he has broken off his meditation and training, and that he wishes to give up his warrior days. He asks Shu Lien to deliver his sword, the ‘Green Destiny’ to Sir Te, an old friend of theirs for safe keeping. A little shocked and puzzled by Li Mu Bia’s sudden request, Shu Lien reluctantly agrees to take up the assignment. She asks Li Mu Bia to travel with her and catch up on the old days. Li Mu Bia accepts but stated that he could not do so as he must first visit his master’s grave and beg for his forgiveness. For how could he have thoughts of retiring when he has yet to avenge the death of his master who died at the hands of the evil ‘Jade Fox’. With that Li Mu Bia left and said no more.

Later Shu Lien travels to the capital on a courier run and as promised delivers the sword ‘Green Destiny’ to Sir Te. He is a little shocked upon receiving the sword. For how could a noble old man like him be worthy of receiving such a great gift from a warrior. So he declines to take it at first. But Shu Lien persuades him to accept the sword by stating that it had brought as much glory as trouble for her friend Li Mu Bia. Sir Te thus agreed to accept the sword upon hearing those words. Sir Te also hinted towards Shu Lien that perhaps Li Mu Bia was sending a signal to her by retiring as a warrior. Though a little intrigued by Sir Te’s words, Shu Lien immediately went into a state of denial by stating that she and Li Mu Bia are only friends. Obviously Sir Te being a wise old man knew there was more to it and requests Shu Lien to lodge at his estate for a few days as a guest. Shu Lien accepts the offer.

Shu Lien then followed Sir Te’s head servant to the main study where the sword would be kept. There they run into an unexpected visitor in Yu Jiao Long (played by Zhang ZiYi) the daughter of Chief Yu, an aristocrat. She had gone to the study to get a peace of mind. Shu Lien then displayed the ‘Green Destiny’ sword to Jiao Long as she was a little inquisitive in nature. She made a few enquires about the background of the sword and the world of wulin. Jiao Long advised Shu Lien that she was getting married soon, so Shu Lien congratulated her. But this seemed to upset Jiao Long as advised that she had not yet lived the life she had wanted and she did not want to marry as a result. Shu Lien reveals that she and Li Mu Bia had a close connection with each other. Li Mu Bia was the blood brother of her fiancé. It was obvious to Jiao Long that Shu Lien and Li Mu Bia loved each other, so questioned her as to why they had not married. To that, Shu Lien replied that even warriors had rules and codes of conducts to adhere to. This included loyalty and friendship.

With that Jiao Long exited the study. She returned to her own room where her head maid advises her against making friends with Shu Lien. But Jiao Long was never going to heed the advice. She would make friends with whomever she likes, and no one was going to stop her. She orders the maid to leave the room before blowing out the candlelight.

In the evening a masked bandit enters Sir Te’s compound and steals the ‘Green Destiny’ sword. The masked bandit is pursued by Sir Te’s head inspector, Bo and guards. But the bandit manages to escape, but is quickly pursued by Shu Lien. The chase and pursuit takes them throughout the capital. Shu Lien fought with the masked bandit on several occasions to reclaim the sword without much success. The fight finishes when an unknown help fires a dart towards Shu Lien allowing the masked bandit to leave. The fight ends on suspicious circumstances outside of the house of Chief Yu, who’s responsible for security in the capital.

The next day Bo and Shu Lien suspect that the bandit is from Chief Yu’s house. But Sir Te would have none of it given that Chief Yu is his friend. There were only two people who had seen the sword, Chief Yu and his daughter Jiao Long. Shu Lien would decide to pay Jiao Long a visit later in the day. Outside of Chief Yu’s house, Shu Lien discovers a wanted poster of the ‘Jade Fox’. This arouses her suspicions even further. Once more the head maid at Chief Yu’s house refuses to admit Shu Lien in. But she is quickly waved off by Jiao Long who was in the process of practising her calligraphy. Seeing that Shu Lien had arrived, she decides to write her name on a piece of paper. Shu Lien studied Jiao Long carefully and could recognise that she possessed some great swordsmanship skills through her calligraphy. For calligraphy and swordsmanship shared the same principles. The control is all in the wrists.

Shu Lien was now suspected that Jiao Long had stolen the sword. But she kept it to herself. Jiao Long would later ask whether Shu Lien would mind becoming blood sisters. Shu Lien agrees after a short deliberation. It was easier for her to convince Jiao Long to change her ways and prevent her from causing further harm if they were friends after all. Upon returning to Sir Te’s compound, Shu Lien gets a surprise when she discovers that Li Mu Bia has arrived unannounced in the capital. She immediately assumes that he has come upon receiving news that the ‘Green Destiny’ sword has gone missing. So she immediately reassures Li Mu Bia that she’ll track down the bandit and recover the sword.

But Li Mu Bia just smiled and appeared relaxed. He informs Shu Lien that he did not know that the sword had gone missing and that he come for another purpose. Shu Lien then informed Li Mu Bia that the ‘Jade Fox’ is suspected to be in the capital hiding under the nose of Chief Yu, before asking him for what other purpose he had come to visit. Li Mu Bia’s eyes lit up upon receiving the news. He wanted to track the Jade Fox down and avenge his master’s death. Just when Li Mu Bia was about to reveal the real purpose of his visit to Shu Lien, they are interrupted by the head servant. Sir Te wishes to speak with them.

Meanwhile Bo, another inspector who had gone undercover as a street performer to track down Jade Fox, and his daughter agree to meet up with Jade Fox at a secret location to resolve their past differences. Jade Fox had murdered the undercover inspector’s wife. Later that evening they meet up and engage in a heated battle. Jade Fox was over powering the three of them until Li Mu Bia arrived to lend a hand. Eager to avenge the death of his master, Li Mu Bia, attacks and attempts to strike the Jade Fox down. Just when Li Mu Bia was about to slain the Jade Fox, she was rescued by her apprentice, who was the same person as the masked bandit who stole the ‘Green Destiny’ sword. A little shocked, Li Mu Bia decides to test the skills of the masked bandit. It was obvious that the masked bandit has practiced the arts of the secret Wudang kung fu manual stolen by Jade Fox. As a result the masked bandit’s skills were far superior to Jade Fox’s skills, but still no match for Li Mu Bia.

The fight reaches a climax with Li Mu Bia clearly on top, when they are interrupted by scream. Upon turning around, Li Mu Bia notices that the undercover inspector had been slained by Jade Fox. She and the masked bandit uses this distraction to escape. The uncover inspector’s daughter is left to mourn over the death of her father. She then seeks Sir Te’s assistance to bring the murder to justice. Sir Te has no other option but to agree, knowing that a wanted criminal is hiding in Chief Yu’s compound. That’s when Shu Lien intervenes by suggesting an alternative strategy to drive the Jade Fox out of hiding and to recover the sword without ruining Chief Yu’s career and Jiao Long’s life. She states that to get to the fox, one must deal with its cubs. Sir Te is grateful and agrees to the plan.

Madame Yu and Jiao Long is then invited to Sir Te’s compound as an excuse for Shu Lien to attempt to convince Jiao Long to return the ‘Green Destiny’ sword. Shu Lien is very clever with her words to Madame Yu, hinting that she knew who the masked bandit was. She stated that the masked bandit agrees to return the ‘Green Destiny’ sword that Li Mu Bia would let the matter rest and that there would be no repercussions. She also advises Madame Yu that no mercy would be shown to the murder who had killed the undercover inspector. Jiao Long appeared to be shocked that an uncover inspector had been murdered. To confirm her suspicions Shu Lien deliberately dropped the coffee cup when passing it to Jiao Long. With her natural reaction, Jiao Long caught the cup before it fell. Shu Lien was now certain that she had the right person. Jiao Long was the masked bandit.

As expected the masked bandit attempted to return the ‘Green Destiny’ sword in the evening and entered Sir Te’s compound. A little curious from the battle the previous evening, Li Mu Bia, had waited at the study for the masked bandit. He demands the masked bandit to give him the sword. But the masked bandit responds by saying that she’ll do what she wants and no one could control her. Upon hearing those comments Li Mu Bia manages to snatch the sword back in one stance. The masked bandit flees upon losing the sword, but Li Mu Bia gives chase. We learn that Li Mu Bia wishes to accept the masked bandit as an apprentice, recognising that she is talented and that the Jade Fox hasn’t driven away all the good in her. But the masked bandit refuses, stating that Wudang is nothing but a *****house.

It is revealed that masked bandit is indeed Jiao Long when she returns to the room and unmasks herself. Her head maid, who also happens to be the Jade Fox was waiting for her. Jiao Long immediately asks her to leave, knowing that the Jade Fox is a wanted criminal and would bring trouble to her family. But Jade Fox refuses to leave and attempts to use the acupuncture technique to restrain Jiao Long. But to her surprise, Jiao Long manages to block it and counters by sealing her own pressure points. Jiao Long had been very crafty in deceiving and keeping the secrets behind the essence of the Wudang sword arts to herself. Her skills had advanced beyond that of her master’s as a result. Having defeated her master, she asks her to leave. Jade Fox had now other option but to agree.

Li Mu Bia is happy upon recovering his sword and practises with it at night. He’ll use the sword one last time to avenge the death of his masters. Shu Lien watches him. Li Mu Bia then informs Shu Lien of his idea to accept Jiao Long as an apprentice. Shu Lien immediately attempts to persuade him, knowing that it’ll only bring him further trouble. But Li Mu Bia is determined and asks Shu Lien to be patient with him.

On the eve of Jiao Long’s wedding, she receives an unexpected visit from a rough and rugged looking man named Lu Xiao Hu (played by Chang Chen). This man was once a renowned mountain robber nicknamed ‘Dark Cloud’, and is also Jiao Long’s secret lover. They immediately hug and exchange passionate kisses. then recounts their initial meeting.

Madame Yu and Jiao Long were travelling towards a remote outpost where Chief Yu had been stationed to guard by the Emperor. Though heavily guarded by armed men, they were attacked by bandits led by Xiao Hu. During the skirmish, Xiao Hu stole Jiao Long’s comb and makes fun of her. Having an enormous amount of pride, Jiao Long immediately pursues after Xiao Hu, demanding him to return her comb or else. This chase seems endless and lasts for many days across the desert, with Xiao Hu always one step ahead of Jiao Long. They would break now and again for a break and then Jiao Long would pursue Xiao Hu non-stop demanding her comb back. They fight through several rounds.

Xiao Hu had to eventually save Jiao Long form the harsh desert and take her back to his cave, where he feed her food and water. But Jiao Long did not show her gratitude at first, catching Xiao Hu off guard and knocking over the head with a rock. But once again she was defeated by the desert and needed to be saved by Xiao Hu. Once again Jiao Long did not show her gratitude and even spat at Xiao Hu. After many days of endless fighting, Jiao Long finally displays her feelings for Xiao Hu. They kiss and make passionate love in the cave. From that day onwards Jiao Long stayed by Xiao Hu’s side, whilst at the same time, avoiding the troops sent by her father, Chief Yu to locate her.

Three months had passed by before Xiao Hu finally convinced Jiao Long to return to her family. Before they departed Xiao Hu told Jiao Long about a legend of a man jumping off a cliff to save his sick mother. His wish was fulfilled and he just floated far, far away. He didn’t even get a scratch. Xiao Hu then promised Jiao Long that he would set out to make a mark on the world, and then seek her hand in marriage like an honest man. However, Xiao Hu had been unable to full fill his promise, because wherever he went, people recognised him as a bandit. Upon hearing the end of his story, Jiao Long, immediately requests him to leave. Xiao Hu is initially shocked. Seeing the determination written on Jiao Long’s face, he has no other but to comply. He finally gives Jiao Long back her comb before leaving.

Shortly after getting married, Jiao Long decided to run away from her husband and leave the capital. She had also re-entered Sir Te’s compound and stole the ‘Green Destiny’ sword. She roamed through wulin, defaming Li Mu Bia’s name by claiming that he was a defeated foe of hers. This caused her great trouble as a number of martial artists sought to duel with her. She defeated many of them and showed no mercy at an inn. Particularly to a warrior named Guo who also shared the same surname as her husband.

Li Mu Bia and Shu Lien had tracked Jiao Long all this time. Along the way Li Bu Bia finally had the courage to grasp and hold Shu Lien’s hands, declaring that he wanted to be with he forever. Just the two of them sitting in the peace and quiet of the pavilion. But they would soon hear news of Jiao Long’s battle at the inn. But Jiao Long had long gone when they arrived at the inn.

Later Jiao Long showed up at Shu Lien’s compound where she was training her men. Shu Lien took this opportunity to advise Jiao Long to change her ways and return to her family. But Jiao Long refuse on the condition that they had forced her to marry, and thus runaway in the first place. It was then Shu Lien bought up the subject of Xiao Hu, who Li Mu Bia had made arrangements for him to stay at Wudang. This immediately angers Jiao Long. For who were Li Mu Bia and Shu Lien to make arrangements on her behalf when she wanted to be free. She immediately insults both Shu Lien and LI Mu Bia before attempting to leave. Her words were disrespectful and upset Shu Lien so much that she denounced Jiao Long as her blood sister. She demanded that Jiao Long leave the ‘Green Destiny’ sword before leaving. Jiao Long refuses.

Angered Shu Lien draws her twin machetes and attacks Jiao Long. They exchange several rounds before the twin machetes in Shu Lien’s hands were broken by the ‘Green Destiny’ sword which was made of a harder metal. Shu Lien is determined to reclaim the ‘Green Destiny’ sword for Li Mu Bia so grabs a spear from the weapons stand nearby. Once again the spear is broken after several exchanges. Shu Lien would reach for one weapon after another. But regardless of the weapon, it would be broken after a few exchanges. Confident in her own abilities, Jiao Long starts getting cocky and arrogant. Shu Lien knows that her skills are far superior to that of Jiao Long’s. It was the ‘Green Destiny’ sword that she could not overcome. Finally Shu Lien decides to select a long broad sword from the weapons rack. This sword had a longer reach and would thus cause Jiao Long some trouble. After several rounds of exchanges, Shu Lien finally managed to get the upper hand. As expected the long broad sword as broken by the ‘Green Destiny’ sword. But Shu Lien’ had managed to use the broken tip and pointed it at Jiao Long’s Adams apple pressure point.

Seeing that Jiao Long had been defeated, Shu Lien shows mercy and allows her to live. She requests that Jiao Long had over the ‘Green Destiny’ sword. But Jiao Long refuses and takes advantage of this opportunity to injure Shu Lien. She would have actually proceeded ahead and killed Shu Lien had Li Mu Bia not arrived in time to prevent her from doing so. Li Mu Bia then remarks that Jiao Long is not worthy of the ‘Green Destiny’ sword. Jiao Long immediately attempts to escape. But Li Mu Bia follows after her.

After a few exchanges on top of the bamboo forest, the two land near a waterfall. Once more Li Mu Bia informs Jiao Long of his desire of accepting her as an apprentice. But his words are wasted, as Jiao Long refuses, even after agreeing that she would if Li Mu Bia is able to retain his sword within 3 moves. When Li Mu Bia retains his sword in one move, Jiao Long goes back on her word. As a result of Jiao Long’s dishonourable act, Li Mu Bia decides to throw the ‘Green Destiny’ sword down the waterfall, stating that it was now meaningless. Not surprisingly Jiao Long makes a desperate dive to reclaim the sword. She does so and passes out at the bottom of the waterfall. That’s when Jade Fox arrives to take her. Li Mu Bia gives chase.
That evening Jade Fox decides to drug Jiao Long and set a trap to kill her enemies. The smoke lured Li Mu Bia to investigate the dark cave. There he finds Jiao Long drugged out of her mind. He immediately uses his inner energy to heal her. Later Shu Lien and Bo arrive at the cave and are both surprised to see Li Mu Bia alone with Jiao Long. So Li Mu Bia explains himself. Shu Lien then informs Li Mu Bia that she had been following Jade Fox when they arrived at the cave. Sensing the danger Li Mu Bia warns them to be careful and stay alert. Shortly after saying this, a number of projectiles are fired towards them. Li Mu Bia, Shu Lien, and Bo appear to be successful in fending off the projectiles.

Li Mu Bia then launches forward and slains Jade Fox to avenge the death of his master. But Li Mu Bia had been struck by Jade Fox’s poison needle in the little skirmish. She advises them that although Li Mu Bia deserved to die that the needle was meant for Jiao Long. Her one true family and her only foe. Jade Fox dies upon saying this. Shu Lien is shocked that Li Mu Bia has been poisoned that she trembles slightly in fear and panics for the first time. But Jiao Long advises them that she knows the recipe to the cure, but it will take time to make. Together with Bo, Jiao Long sets out to gather the ingredients to make the antidote.

Shu Lien stays in the cave to watch over Li Mu Bia. Many hours had passed and yet there was no antidote. With his last ounce of breath, Li Mu Bia finally tells Shu Lien that he loves her with all his heart and has always done so. He regretted not telling her earlier, and that he would stay by her side even as a ghost. With this Li Mu Bia dies. Shu Lien is overcome with emotions upon hearing Li Mu Bia’s words. She leans to kiss him passionately. They exchange a few kisses before Li Mu Bia dies of the poison. Only then does Jiao Long turn up with the antidote. She is one moment too late to save Li Mu Bia.

Shu Lien takes the ‘Green Destiny’ sword in her lands and looks like she’d slain Jiao Long. She points the tip of the sword towards Jiao Long’s Adam’s apple pressure point before giving the sword to Bo to take back to Sir Te’s compound. Jiao Long appears to be slightly shocked as she awaited the stroke of death. Shu Lien then regains her composure. She advises Jiao Long to be true to herself regardless of whatever she does from that moment forth and informs her that her lover Xiao Hu was waiting for her at Wudang.

After the death of Li Mu Bia, Jiao Long made a trip up to Wudang to see Xiao Hu. They made passionate love in the evening. In the morning Jiao Long was gone. When Xiao Hu located Jiao Long she was standing at the peak of Mount Wudang. She requests that Xiao Hu make a wish. Xiao Hu wishes that both of them return to the desert. With that Jiao Long jumps over the edge of the cliff. She wanted Xiao Hu’s wish to come true like in the old legends. She floated far, far away as a result….

Rating 4/5

Before I begin, I have to say that this movie was well worth the four Oscars that it won and the 73rd Academy Awards. The art direction, cinematography, and music score was just superb. Perhaps what made audiences most interested in this story was the tragic story of love and tension between the characters of Li Mu Bia and Yu Shu Lien and the striking contrast to Lu Xioa Hu and Yu Jiao Long.

The ‘Green Destiny’ sword in this flim represented trouble. Li Mu Bia giving up his sword was akin to him giving the trouble and struggle of the wulin world to live a peaceful life. But giving up the sword only brought Li Mu Bia further trouble. In the end the only way he could avoid trouble was to actually die. Metaphor here is that, when one is living, trouble rules ones life. There is no way to avoid it. On the other hand a character like Yu Jiao Long sought to obtain the ‘Green Destiny’ sword, as she was one who sought trouble in her life. She was not content with the life she was living and had a rebellious heart. That’s why she sought to reclaim the sword when Li Mu Bia threw it over the waterfall.

The character of Yu Jiao Long was akin to a wild tiger that could not be tamed in the capital city. She needed to be in the desert and run wild. She jumped over the cliff at the end, for two reasons. One was to fulfil the old legend as she’d prefer a wild life in the desert with Lu Xiao Hu. Another reason was she had been looking for death throughout the whole story. But no one wanted to kill her. So she had to do it herself.

Lu Xioa Hu was the only one that could actually tame her to a certain extent. He was a man who was comfortable in the wild. But he recognised that they were worlds apart and attempted to make a name for himself and obtain Yu Jiao Long in honourable ways. But he failed. For how can a beast live in the capital city?

Yu Shu Lien was the absolute opposite to Yu Jiao Long. Shu Lien was a woman who was ruled by her head. She upholds everything that is right, from honour and loyalty to friends and loved ones. Yu Jiao Long was someone who was ruled by her emotions and thus ran wild with no concept of friendship or loyalty.

Overall this film was enjoyable because of the various contrasts described above. The most memorable duel was between Michelle Yeoh and Zhang ZiYi at the escort headquarters towards the end. I wasn’t a real fan of any of the other combat scenes and thought they were quite average. Most of the combat scenes look like a dance then an actual fight. The scene where Chow Yan Fat and Zhang ZiYi fights on top of bamboo forest is absolutely ridiculous in my eyes. Over the top battle scenes is not something that I like to see in movies. I can tolerate it in TV series, but not movies (strange as it sounds). Also I thought the desert scene between Zhang ZhYi and Chang Chen was over dramatic and dragged on too long. A girl would go to such great lengths and be willing to die in order to recover her comb?? Oh please! The character of Lu Xiao Hu must have great restraint, as I’d know what I’d do if a girl spat on me like that after I saved her.

The acting you can’t fault in this film. As previously explained, the director and producers, and not the actors would have to take the blame if any bad acting appears in the film. As the director has around on average 15 takes to chose from, so why chose one with bad acting?

I thought Chow Yan Fat and Michelle Yeoh had great chemistry together. They carried much of the show. Both are veteran actors with extraordinary talents (thought poorly utilised in Hollywood). Chang Chen gave a fresh perspective to the film. Most of the scenes he appeared in, however, are either too over dramatic or comical.

This film launched Zhang ZiYi’s international acting career. She played a ‘hated’ character and did it well in such a role. She has appeared as a hated character in other films since. There is something about Zhang ZiYi’s performance that really makes me hate the characters that she portrays. It takes great acting skills to be able to draw such a reaction from the audience. So she’ll do well in the future with her talents. Unlike most, I think Zhang ZiYi does well in these period films. I hate the characters she portrays, but I do not hate her as a person, or her acting abilities. Too often people cannot differentiate between the actors/actress and the characters they play.

[Southern Crane]

Outstanding review, Long! $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/headbang.gif')

Definitely worth discussing and hosting in our Filmography. But, today's Ziyi's birthday, so hope you don't mind me breifly changing the subject. $this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/smilies/biggrin.gif')




Happy 26th Birthday to Zhang Ziyi!
February 09, 2005

$this->handle_bbcode_img_match('http://csc.ziyi.org/news/zz-bday.gif')

We at Zhang Ziyi CSC and Ziyi fans worldwide would like to wish Zhang Ziyi a VERY HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY!!!

Soon to enter our fourth year, this is our third to celebrate Ziyi's birythday, and each year we do so with something unique and very special. This year's no different...

The following song was specially recorded for us to celebrate Zhang Ziyi's 26th birthday:

"Zhang Ziyi"

"Zhang Ziyi"
Written by: James Lincoln
Performed by: The Filthy Rich Kids
Guitar/vocals: James Lincoln
Drums/organ: Matt Adams
Bass: Johnny Lincoln
Recorded at Glow in the Dark Studios in Atlanta, Georgia
Presented to Zhang Ziyi CSC for Zhang Ziyi's 2005 birthday
(c) 2004 by James Lincoln
$$ www.filthyrichkids.com $$


Lyrics:

Well, I’m progressing on the music scene
But I stay so-so with girls
And she represents an impossible love
'Cuz we come from different worlds
But Zhang Ziyi, will you go out with me?
I can understand your Mandarin
I think we’d make a lovely pair
With your fresh cute looks and my short brown hair

I like the way you get angry
And I love it how you smile
I pause the tape on your funny face
And I watch for a little while
I hope that I’m your type of man,
'Cuz I know that you got your choiceYou got a lot of acting talent
And a beautiful singing voice

(Chorus)

Well, I don’t speak Chinese, but still I’m on my knees
And I am begging her please, Zhang Ziyi, go out with me, go out with me


I'd walk you down The Road Home
If you ever asked me to
You could wear your pink sweater
So you don’t catch the flu
I'd let you be my Hidden Dragon
Even if you threw those fits
And I'd pick the girl over the sword
Whenever you offer it!

Now, I’m rushing home during Rush Hour 2 just see you
You offer me 'some apple,' how could I refuse?

(Chorus)

Well, I don’t speak Chinese, but still I’m on my knees
And I am begging her please, Zhang Ziyi, go out with me, go out with me

Oh, Zhang Ziyi, will you go out with me?
I am asking you from across the sea
Yes, Zhang Ziyi, will you go out with me?
Can you understand this American?
Oh, Zhang Ziyi, what do you see?
Am I a good enough man for thee?

Zhang Ziyi. . . .




Zhu Ni Sheng Ri Kuai Le, Zhang Ziyi.

[Long]

Another review. THis time Hero. don't know how long it takes these reviews to be actually posted on spcnet. Unfortunately when I review "House of Flying Daggers", I won't be so complementary to that film.


------------------------------------------------

HERO (2003)

Cast

Jet Li as Nameless
Donnie Yen as Sky
Tony Leung as Broken Sword
Maggie Cheung as Snow
Zhang Ziyi as Moon
Chen Dao Ming as Qin Emperor

Review

The film opens with a cavalry of armed men on horse back escorting a lone man in a carriage to the palace. We discover that this man is an orphan from Qin. Being an orphan meant he had no name so people called him ‘Nameless’ (played by Jet Li). He has achieved a great feat that has caused a stir throughout the Kingdom of Qin and has been summoned to the palace by the Qin Emperor (played by Chen Dao Ming).

For defeating the renowned assassin Sky (played by Donnie Yen) Nameless is rewarded with silk, gold, and lands. He is also allowed to sit and drink within 20 paces of the Qin Emperor, who is eager to learn how Sky, Broken Sword (played by Tony Leung), and Snow (played by Maggie Cheung) were defeated.

Nameless explained to the Qin Emperor that he had gone to great lengths to uncover a secret that no one in China knew. That Sky and Snow had a one night stand with each other. Because of this Broken Sword and Sky who were lovers had not spoken for three years. In order to defeat Broken Sword he must fist defeat Sky. When asked which weapon he had used, Nameless explains to the Qin Emperor that he used the ‘sword’ to match Sky’s powerful spear that has injured thousands of Qin guards. Nameless recounts his duel in detail with Sky to the Qin Emperor.

That day it was raining. Sky turned up at a chess house because he enjoyed listening to the music. Seven of the Qin Emperor’s bravest and fiercest warriors had turned up at the chess house to arrest Sky. They request him to reveal his identity by showing his spear. Sky had covered up his spear with a leather pouch. But sky does not reveal the tip of the spear. The leader of the seven warriors then attacks Sky one on one, but his defeated. Then two warriors attack Sky side by side. They display great skill and team work, but are overwhelmed by Sky’s deadly spear. The last four warriors attack Sky in formation. But once again Sky feds them off easily. But he shows them mercy by allowing them to live. The Seven Qin warriors bows to acknowledge Sky’s kind act as he turns to leave.

Just when Sky was about to leave, someone called out from the distance, “Wait!”. Upon turning around Sky noticed a simple Perfect Marshall of Qin standing behind him. It was Nameless who had come to arrest him. Nameless charges at Sky who becomes a little worried upon noticing the excellent lightness kung fu utilised. They exchange a serious of blows before Sky finally decides to reveal the tip of his spear. It was an act to acknowledge that he had met into a powerful foe worthy of his skills. At this point the old musician senses trouble and decides to leave. But Nameless decides to stop him and offers him a few coins in exchange for more music. The old man stays and plays a few mellow tunes.

Nameless and Sky stand 20 paces away from each other to listen to the music. Though they had not been physically fighting each other, they fought in their minds. Music and martial arts, although different were based on the same principles. In required one to be in an extreme state of relaxation to in order reach its highest peak. They fought in their minds for over an hour, before the old musician got tired and broke a string on his zither. Nameless takes this opportunity to immediately attack Sky who appeared to be unprepared. Nameless’s thrust manages pierce through Sky’s stomach and slice the tip the spear off. Sky slumps to the ground upon the impact.

“What a fast sword!”, praises the Qin Emperor upon hearing of Sky’s defeat at the hands of Nameless. For defeating Broken Sword and Snow, Nameless was rewarded with more silk, gold, and land. He was also allowed to drink within 10 paces of the Qin Emperor. Taking Broken Sword’s and Snow’s sword into his own hands to examine them, the Qin Emperor then questions Nameless as to how he was able to defeat Broken Sword and Snow when ten thousand of his armed Qin soldiers could not prevent them from storming the palace three years ago. Nameless informs the Emperor that he used ‘strategy’ rather than ‘skill’ to defeat them. The Qin Emperor recognises the merits of Nameless story and asked him to recount the story about how Broken Sword and Sky were defeated.

Nameless rode on horse back to the Kingdom of Zhao dressed as one of their citizens. That day it was rumoured that the Qin army would attack Zhao. Whilst most people had fled, the calligraphy school remained open. Nameless had uncovered that Broken Sword was a master at the calligraphy school under the alias name of ‘Highcliff’ and that Snow used the alias name of ‘Springbok’. It was also rumoured throughout wulin that Broken Sword’s skills were derived from the art of calligraphy. So in order to defeat Broken Sword, Nameless needed to uncover the essence of Broken Sword’s sword arts through his calligraphy.

Upon arriving at the calligraphy school Nameless requests master Broken Sword to use the 20th method of writing the character of ‘sword’. Broken Sword agrees. As he is trying to write the character of ‘sword’ the Qin army arrives and attacks, showering the calligraphy school with thousands of arrows. Rather than flee with their lives the students at the calligraphy school draw strength from their calligraphy and remain at the school. To enable Broken Sword to complete writing the character of ‘sword’, Snow and Nameless rush out of the calligraphy school and leap onto the rooftop. They fend off the thousands of arrows with their excellent sword skills. Soon the Qin army stops firing arrows and set up camp outside, in preparation of an attack the following day.

Snow is aware that Nameless did not come for Broken Sword’s calligraphy so asks for his identity. Nameless refuses to reveal his true identity, but instead requests that she meet him at midnight in the library. Snow agrees. Due to Nameless’s sword skills, Broken Sword was able to present him with the 20th method of writing the character of ‘sword’. Nameless takes the piece of calligraphy but also asks Broken Sword to meet him at midnight in the library. Broken Sword agrees. That night Nameless studied the calligraphy but was unable to uncover the essence behind the sword arts. Knowing that he could not defeat Broken Sword with his skills he reverted to using strategies.

That night he informed Broken Sword and Snow that he had defeated Sky. He claimed that Sky had stated prior to his death that Snow was his only love and that Snow would avenge his death. These comments obviously made Broken Sword jealous. He left Snow with the tip of Sky’s spear and stated that she could find him at the Qin army camp if she sought to avenge Sky’s death. With that Nameless left having successfully planted the seed of doubt and destruction between Snow and Broken Sword.

Sure enough, Nameless strategy had worked. Broken Sword became so enraged and jealous upon noticing that Snow had kept a piece of Sky’s broken spear with her. The piece fitted exactly onto the Sky’s broken spearhead, further confirming that they had a one night stand. That night Broken Sword waited until Snow walked pass his room when his young female apprentice, Moon (played by Zhang ZiYi) was combing his hair. He immediately grabbed onto Moon and made passionate love on his bed, to make Snow jealous. Later that night Snow stabbed Broken Sword in the back whilst he was exclaiming in the corridor that he did not lover at all.

The next day, Moon sought revenge for her master and fought with Snow in the willow forest. Moon’s skills were far too inferior and was thus slained at the edge of Snow’s sword. Before dying, Moon, laughed at Snow for being foolish and for killing Broken Sword so rashly. This upset Snow. Nameless ruse had worked. The day Snow confronted Nameless for a duel she was so disorientated that she was defeated easily and died.

“Ah pity!”, sighed the Qin Emperor upon hearing how Broken Sword and Snow had fallen because of fit of passion. Then the Qin Emperor noticed something odd. All of the candles placed between him and Nameless appear to be pointing in his direction. It was obvious that something was not right. The candles had revealed the ‘murderous’ thoughts of Nameless to the Qin Emperor. Leaning back in his throne the Qin Emperor then asked for Nameless impression of Broken Sword and Snow. Nameless advised the Emperor that they were immoral and petty people. The Qin Emperor thought otherwise. He explained to Nameless that he thought Broken Sword and Snow were heroic, and honourable people. The Qin Emperor went on further to state that the story told by Nameless must have been a complete lie. The Qin Emperor recounted his own views of the event.

He guessed that Sky and Nameless were friends who formed a pact to assassinate him. The duel between Sky and Nameless had been staged in front of the Seven Warriors from Qin. This would allow Nameless within 20 paces of the Qin Emperor. Having reached this conclusion the Qin Emperor guessed that Nameless must possess a deadly skill that could be performed within 10 paces, otherwise he would not need to seek the assistance of Broken Sword and Snow. Nameless acknowledge that the Qin Emperor was very wise, and that he had a stance within his sword arts named “10 Pace Kill” that was very accurate and deadly.

The Qin Emperor praised this move and then went onto to reveal his own thoughts on how Broken Sword and Snow were defeated. He assumed that Broken Sword and Snow upon hearing of the honourable sacrifice of Sky agreed to assist Nameless in the assassination attempt. But they sought first to test Nameless skills. Nameless displayed how quick his sword was by cutting the scrolls on the bookshelves which were exactly 10 paces away. As Broken Sword and Snow loved each other, they deliberated hard about who would go and assist Nameless. Finally Snow injured Broken Sword by stabbing him in the stomach before confronting Nameless at the Qin army camp. She then gave her life willingly to assist in the assassination. To honour the memory of Snow, Nameless and Broken Sword duelled in their minds, in a similar manner in which Nameless duelled with Sky. As a token Broken Sword instructed Moon to present his own sword to Nameless so that it would go side by side with Snow’s sword to the palace.

Upon hearing the Qin Emperor’s guesses of the events, Nameless revealed his own identity. That he was actually a citizen of Zhao and his parents were murdered by Qin soldiers. He stumbled into Qin territory where he was adopted. He sought revenge on the Qin Emperor upon growing up. Nameless then informed the Qin Emperor that he had made one wrong assumption. That he had underestimated Broken Sword’s intention. Shocked the Qin Emperor asked for an explanation. Once more Nameless recounted the events.

That day he visited Broken Sword and Snow, they sought not only to test the quickness of Nameless sword but also its accuracy. Nameless was able to demonstrate that his sword was accurate by piercing through a white pen amongst a dozen of black pens within 10 paces. Snow agreed to assist Nameless upon seeing the deadly precision of his sword. It was certain that he would be capable of murdering the Qin Emperor. But Broken Sword shocked Nameless when he informed them that he would stop anyone who wished to assassinate the Qin Emperor.

Snow was determined to assist Nameless in the assassination that she and Broken Sword fought with each other. After a serious of exchanges she called out for Nameless to assist her. At first nameless refused, as it was not honourable to attack one from behind. But he understood that unless they defeat Broken Sword, he would prevent them from assassinating the Qin Emperor. So Nameless distracted Broken Sword, allowing Snow to stab and wound him in the stomach. Seeing that her master had been injured, Moon attacked Nameless. But her skills were far too inferior and she was easily defeated.

Nameless and Snow then fought at the Qin army camp. She was defeated and Nameless obtain her sword. He was confronted by Broken Sword and Moon after the duel. Broken Sword attempted to persuade Nameless. He explained that the Qin Emperor could not be killed and recounted his encounter with the Qin Emperor three years ago.

Broken Sword was a loner who drifted and wandered throughout wulin for many years. He came across Snow along his journeys. She was the daughter of a Zhao General who was murdered by the Qin army. She inherited her father’s sword and sought vengeance on the Qin Emperor. Broken Sword and Snow fell in love, and Broken Sword had promised to assist her. In tun Snow knew that Broken Sword as a loner, and promised that after the assassination she would take him to a place where he could call home. A place without a sword. Just a man and a woman. Together they refined their sword arts through calligraphy. It took many years to master the arts.

When their sword arts reached a peak, Broken Sword and Snow stormed the palace together. Even ten thousand armoured soldiers could not stop them. The Qin Emperor could have died at the edge of Broken Sword’s blade that day, but he gave up. He explained that calligraphy had taught him that the Qin Emperor could not be killed, and pleaded with Nameless once more not to proceed with his assassination attempt. But Nameless refused. So Broken Sword left him with two words written in the sand. They read “The World”. He then instructed Moon to present his sword to Nameless and rode off. Moon gave one final attempt to persuade Nameless and failed.

The Qin Emperor was in tears upon hearing the retelling of Broken Sword’s story from Nameless. He could have never guessed that his deadly foe and enemy was the only person who understood his true intentions of re-uniting China. This moved him to question how Nameless would kill him without a weapon. Nameless replied by saying that he would seize it. The Qin Emperor laughed, and stated that he was content to die upon having a confident like Broken Sword. He threw his own sword towards Nameless and asked him to decide the fate of the people of the world. The Qin Emperor then turned his back on Nameless, indicating that he was serious about giving up his own life. As he waited for death, the Qin Emperor examined more closely the character of ‘sword’ that was written by Broken Sword and presented to him by Nameless.

Nameless hesitated to for a moment to murder the Qin Emperor. Finally he plucked up the courage and pulled the sword that had stabbed into table before him. He pointed it towards the Qin Emperor having made up his mind to assassinate him. But before he could do so the Qin Emperor finally understood the essence behind Borken Sword’s calligraphy. He went on to explain that the third highest form of swordsmanship is when one connects with the sword. He could then kill with any weapon from a blade of grass. The second highest form swordsmanship is when one becomes the sword. He could kill with his bare hands. The highest form of swordsmanship is to have no sword at all. The swordsman does not seek to kill but rather bring peace to the world.

Upon hearing the Qin Emperor’s comments, Nameless is certain that he is dedicated to the highest form of swordsmanship and would seek to bring peace to the people. He stabs the Qin Emperor with the handle of the sword, advising him to remember all those who have died before there’s peace in China. He then drops the sword and turns to leave. The palace guards surround him, but dare not attack without the Qin Emperor’s permission. The Qin Emperor appears to hesitate and is sadden to watch Nameless disappear from his sight. That’s when the bureaucrats come in and demand that the Qin Emperor gives his permission to the royal guards to kill Nameless. The Qin Emperor finally complies with their requests and nods his head. The royal guards showers Nameless with a sea of arrows. He does not try to fend them off and is thus slained at the palace gates.

Meanwhile, Snow receives a red flag from one of her servants indicating that Nameless had failed his assassination attempt. She immediately rides towards the palace but is blocked off by Broken Sword. Snow is upset and challenges Broken Sword to a duel. Broken Sword refuses at first but eventually fights her. He wants to prove a point. During the battle Broken Sword lowers his guard, allowing Snow’s sword to penetrate through his stomach. It is a fatal wound. Shocked that Broken Sword did not block, Snow asked for an explanation. Broken Sword replied that he wanted to prove to Snow how much peace meant to him. With his last ounce of breath he asked Snow to take care, and that he wished to have been able to visit her home and settle down.

At that moment Snow finally understood Broken Sword and felt regretful that she had slained him. She bends down and hugs the body of Broken Sword tightly before giving a loud scream. She then remarks that she is taking Broken Sword home with her and commits suicide. Moon is left to mourn the lost of both her master, Broken Sword and Snow. She had followed him faithfully to the end.

We are advised at the end that Nameless received a grand and heroic burial and that Sky had stopped practising martial arts in honour of Nameless, Broken Sword, and Snow.

Rating: 4/5

“Hero” is another blockbuster directed by Zhang Yi Mou. The story is about an assassination attempted on the Qin Emperor towards the end of the Seven Kingdoms period before the establishment of the Han Dynasty.

This has to be one of the best movies I have ever seen. It had a great plot. The story told from different perspectives reminds us how clouded things can get. That one person’s account of the events can be totally different to another’s account, and also with reality. Obviously the account of actual history can be just as clouded, as it is, after all told through people. I liked the use of colour schemes to convey this. With “red” being a passionate tale, “blue” being a tale of true love, “green” being a tale of remembrance, and “white” being the truth. This movie reminded me a lot of “Courage Under Fire” starring Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan.

The title “Hero” is well suited to this film. It one way or another each of the characters in the movie was a hero in their own right. The Qin Emperor, thought to be a tyrant by many is actually a hero in this film for attempting to unite China to bring ‘peace’ to the people. Broken Sword sacrificed his live and gave up his one true love for ‘peace’. In the end for ‘peace’ Snow finally gave up her quest for revenge and took Broken Sword home with her. For ‘peace’ Moon followed her master faithfully until the end, even challenging Nameless to fight in the library when her master was injured by Snow. Sky sacrificed himself for ‘peace’. Finally, for ‘peace’ Nameless abandoned his assassination attempt and gave up his own life. In doing Nameless had also achieved the supreme state of swordsmanship. That is to bring ‘peace’ to the world rather than kill.

The music score was excellent, though a little similar to the haunting tune used in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. What more can you say about the colour palette, and costumes used for this film. Classic and well suited to the genre. The fighting sequences were a little over the top as you’d expect in this type of film. The most memorable fight was the opening sequence between Donnie Yen and Jet Li, two real martial artists, though assisted by ropes. The rest of the fighting sequences were okay, but I found the duel over the lake between Tony Leung and Jet Li to be absolutely ridiculous.

You can’t really fault the acting skills from anyone in this cast. All portrayed their characters well. Jet Li superb as the cold faced assassin. Tony Leung has really gained my respect over the past 10 years by taking on serious roles and excelling in them. I thought he was a bit of a clown in his earlier years. Donnie Yen appeared briefly but looked like a elite swordsman and added a touch of coolness to his character which I liked. Maggie Cheung is just the darling of the Asian filming industry and always puts in classic performances. Rarely does she let people down. Chen Dao Ming looked very noble and wise in his portray of the Qin Emperor. Though the historical records do state that the Qin Emperor was an imposing and fearful character. Chen Dao Ming looked anything but fearful. Rather he looked warm and friendly. So perhaps someone with sharp evil eyes could have been chosen for this role.

Last but not least is Zhang ZiYi who seem to have as much fanfare as those who hate her. Frankly speaking the character she played had little life or spark. Moon was a minor character after all and always in the background. You could have casted Marilynn Monroe (not that you would in an Asian film) in this role for all I care and it would have still been the same lame and minor role. I think Zhang ZiYi did very well for such a minor role and there isn’t much you can fault about her performance. It was surprising that an actress of her stature even agreed to appear in such a minor role. For the procedures it must have been a blessing as Zhang ZiYi’s appearance in the film meant that they could actively market this film internationally and ride the rollercoaster of Zhang ZiYi’s popularity in the USA and around the world after “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”.

If you truly love films, this is definitely one to watch. It definitely deserved the Oscar for best ‘Foreign Language Film’ at the 75th Academy Awards.

[dontknowwhy]

I cant wait to see Memoirs of a Geisha ...Love ZZY..!!
do anyone know when Memoirs of a Geisha will coming out??

[Southern Crane]

I cant wait to see Memoirs of a Geisha ...Love ZZY..!!
do anyone know when Memoirs of a Geisha will coming out??

December 2005

Recently released poster...

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[sw33t_angel]

ohh really. wat is it abt? is it release everywhere or just in large town? most of her movie doesn't get release in our town, so i's just wandering.