When the Emperor senses a looming threat, he relocates his family from the Palace. While they are en route, mysterious assassins attack them. His family’s return sets off a tumultuous sequence of dark surprises. Amid the glamour and grandeur of royalty, ugly secrets are revealed.

This ultra-epic film by Zhang Yimou (House of Flying Daggers) includes some incredibly acrobatic martial arts, mind-blowing costume and set designs, narrative rollercoasters and a touch of sexiness–all at once! Set in the throes of the Chinese empire in 928, it is as majestic as it is cinematic.