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The Emperor and the Assassin
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 | Film InfoYear: 1999 Country: China Director: Chen Kaige Cast: Gong Li, Zhang Feng Yi, Zhou Sun Running time: 163 min Language: Mandarin with English subtitles Distributed in Australia by: Sony Pictures
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Synopsis:
In the third century B.C., Ying Zheng (Li Xuejian), the powerful king of Qin province, struggles to unify China and become the country's first emperor. In an effort to make himself seem untouchable, he sends his lover, Lady Zhao (Gong Li), to her homeland, Han, to recruit a professional killer who will intentionally botch an assassination attempt on him. Once in Han, Zhao meets Jing Ke (Fengyi Zhang), an infamous assassin who has given up the sword. Zhao's plans change after Ying begins ruling with an increasingly brutal hand--and she starts to fall in love with Jing. |
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Review:
It's by Chen Kaige, who made Farewell, My Concubine, so you know it will be huge and detailed. It stars Gong Li and Zhang Feng Yi, both mainland megastars, so you know it's big budget. And it garnered lots of attention internationally, so you know it translates well. But for my money, it's a bit too big, and a bit too overblown, although given that it's one of the biggest stories in Chinese history that's understandable. Just don't watch it if you're tired or distracted.7 disfiguring scars out of 10 by Alison Jobling back to the top
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DVD Releases
| Distributed by Sony Pictures: |
| Emperor and the Assassin, The | available now |
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