THE ASSASSIN (Nie Yin Niang) (2015) - ♦♦♦♦♦ 

Directed by - Hou Hsiao Hsien

Written by - Cheng Ah, T'ien-wen Chu, Hou Hsiao Hsien, Hsieh Hai-Meng, Xing Pei

Starring - Shu Qi, Chang Chen

"HOU HSIAO-HSIEN returns to the big screen after eight years and takes on the martial arts period drama. Rather than adapt to the nature of the genre, he adapts his low key style to it and adds great visual beauty through vivid cinematography, stunning art direction and by paying a careful attention to a soundtrack that drives the pace of the film and regales it with a meditative, musical and infectuously solemn rhythm. 

The story is set in China at the time of the Ting Dynasty and revolves around a formidable female assassin whose humanity and sensitivity is awakened by her failure to fulfill one of her missions. 

More intimate, political and thrilling aspects of the story are examined throughout in an intricate storyline, which is only demanding when followed in the traditional sense. THE ASSASSIN seems more like the type of movie that aims to achieve a metaphisical interaction with its viewer, who is invited to become immersed whole heartedly in the film and not only to strictly follow its narrative. 

This approach evokes influences and comparisons to other types of artforms, from paintings to ballet, and builds a infinitely rewarding sensual experience that is naturally absorbing and unique. Arguably HOU HSIAO-HSIEN's most ambitious work to date."

Action, Taiwan/China/Hong Kong/France