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Reign of Assassins
剑雨
2010 117 min China, Hong Kong, Taiwan R 18+
★6.9
Action, Adventure
Director: Chao-Bin Su, John Woo
Trailers
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Description
Set in ancient China, Zeng Jing is a skilled assassin who finds herself in possession of a mystical Buddhist monk's remains. She begins a quest to return the remains to its rightful resting place, and thus places herself in mortal danger because a team of assassins is in a deadly pursuit to possess the remains which holds an ancient power-wielding secret.
Budget:
$12M
Starring
Michelle Yeoh
Actor
Jung Woo-sung
Actor
Xueqi Wang
Actor
Awards
Asian Film Academy 2011
— Best Actress
Asian Film Academy 2011
— Best Screenplay
Asian Film Academy 2011
— Best Original Score
Key opinion
Reign of Assassins is widely regarded as a standout martial arts film that successfully balances high-octane, creative action with philosophical depth. While some critics find the characterizations slightly simplistic or clichéd, the majority praise its ability to weave a poignant, mature love story into a traditional wuxia framework.
| Direction | The film features exceptionally creative and dynamic fight choreography that avoids mindless repetition by integrating unique weapon styles and fantasy elements. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay successfully balances a classic martial arts revenge narrative with mature, contemplative themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the possibility of starting anew. | |
| Theme | The film integrates a tender, emotionally resonant love story into the martial arts genre, elevating it above mere action spectacle. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on character depth are divided: some viewers praise the richly drawn and relatable motivations, while others dismiss the characterizations as simplistic or bordering on caricature. |