The last StarWars-trilogy was a huge disappointment for me. Spectacle was promised just like in the first series. A sensational spectacle was produced indeed, but they'd forgotten the humanity, credibility and the small humane suffering. The specials effects became large, larger, largest in a grand manner. The result turned into a exhibition of a horrible monster with actors that mainly exaggerated in everything they did. Predictability of enormous proportions which lacks every spark of sincerity and tension. Enemies became bigger, conspiracies more complicated and animals more dangerous. All this ingredients do not guarantee the movie shall be great.

Unfortunately the StarWars-series has been degenerated into a product that Hollywood took out for a walk and got lost hopelessly. Since then I do not believe in blockbuster movies anymore. The last cinema version of King Kong is a good example. What do I care about the latest computer animation techniques? In the beginning of the 90s when Jurassic Park was releases it was possible to fully rely on computer graphics. And also I was impressed. However those days are long gone. Nowadays ‘grand’ Hollywood movies (mostly about superheroes, science fiction and enormous animals) I try to avoid. The surprise element in the genre is completely disappeared. And is that not exactly the key for emotion, amazement and admiration which a film can trigger?

However I made a mistake. I assumed that so-called spectacle movies are only being produced at the Hollywood factory. Well happily that is not so. After Shi Mian Mai Fu (2004) my hope is returned. Hope in the spectacle. Better said hope in the spectacular spectacle. The spectacle in which people stand in the centre with all their imperfection. And House Or Flying Daggers, as the English title is called, is a spectacle. Moreover a real one that manages to affect.

The story takes place in China of the 9th century. The Tang dynasty, a corrupt imperial court, rules the country disastrously. Different forbidden organizations arise to fight against them where as The House Of Flying Daggers is one of the most prominent. The main characters are three persons namely two soldiers and the daughter of the leader of HOFD. One of the soldiers try to win the trust of the daughter with the plan to be able to infiltrate into the secret organization. Obviously it turns out differently.

Clearly the story is not what makes HOFD a great movie. But the shining swords, zooming arrows, flashing knives, the 'drummachine', stylish costumes, photogenic actors, geometric fights, attractive music, the fast camera work, the green colours and the wonderful filming sets do. Rarely I saw a more beautiful film then HOFD. Really a breathtaking visual scene.

Good actors are a garantee that a movie contains humanity and credibility. How they succeed superbly. Every act expresses intensity and involvement. Special mention goes out for Ziyi Zhang, the latest superstar from Asia. There is no Western actress who is equally athletic and charming as she is. Furtermore she can act like a true superstar. Perhaps it is juvenilely to say, but Ziyi Zhang longs me for more.

House Of Flying Daggers has to be recommendated but beware. You have to realize that constant interruptions by non-functional gorgeous pictures is no problem for you.

- February 2006 -

Takeshi Kaneshiro .... Jin

Andy Lau .... Leo

Ziyi Zhang .... Mei

Directed by: Yimou Zhang