House of the Flying Daggers: First Impressions

This movie has its fair share of similarities to Hero. For one thing, it's quite colorful. Both the costumes and the scenery are vibrant, though not to the same degree. Secondly, there is an abundance of martial arts/sword fighting scenes.

The plot, on the other hand, is considerably different. If anything, it reminded me of a Shakespearian tragedy. None of the characters are exactly who they seem to be at first, and several of the main characters wind up dead in the end.

I think I'm going to need to watch this movie a couple more times if I am to process it in its entirety. For one thing, the movie is quite long at 119 minutes (though I prefer my movies to be at least that length), and for another thing, it has its fair share of plot twists. Characters are only gradually revealed to be who they really are, and it's only towards the end of the movie that you can begin to connect the dots.

Regardless, I found it to be an enjoyable film. Not as compelling as Hero, but still a good movie.