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The Assassin
The Assassin
7.3
/10
2,495 Ratings

THE ASSASSIN

Ci ke Nie Yin Niang | 刺客聶隱娘 | Nie Yin Niang

Directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien
Taiwan, China, 2015
Drama, History, Action

Synopsis

9th century China. 10-year-old general’s daughter Nie Yinniang is abducted by a nun who initiates her into the martial arts, turning her into an exceptional assassin. One day, having failed in a task, she is sent to kill the man to whom she was promised, a cousin who leads a large military region.

Synopsis

9th century China. 10-year-old general’s daughter Nie Yinniang is abducted by a nun who initiates her into the martial arts, turning her into an exceptional assassin. One day, having failed in a task, she is sent to kill the man to whom she was promised, a cousin who leads a large military region.

Our take

Taiwanese master Hou Hsiao-hsien reunites with his Millennium Mambo and Three Times star Shu Qi for the sublime The Assassin. This historical wuxia finds Shu’s enigmatic woman knight returning from exile and torn between love and duty. An elliptical, enchanting experience.