To save the only child of the Zhao Family, whose whole clan is massacred at the hands of a nefarious minister, a doctor sacrifices his own son, and later becomes intent on seeking vengeance against the minister after the child grows up.

Adapted from a Chinese opera classic, Chen Kaige’s labyrinthine epic boasts majestic battle scenes, suspenseful palace intrigue, and resplendent period costumes. Like other works from the Chinese master, the complexities of the father-son bond loom large over this twisty tale of revenge and loyalty.