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The Dark Stone assassins Lei Bin(Shawn Yue) & Turquoise(Barbie Hsu) arrive at the home of retired assassin Zeng Jing(Michelle Yeoh) & her husband Ah Sheng(Jung Woo Sung), where they face off against a person who they believed to be dead. This scene is my favorite in the film. It's rich with irony - a past victim returns as a more powerful adversary to his enemies, who fall before him. This particular part is embroidered with majestic cinematography and clever choreography (I particularly enjoyed the plunging of the needle through the stool). Another dose of irony comes in the form of the assassin Lei Bin being mortally wounded through his own shield, in the middle of his attempt to strike Ah Sheng with a needle. Turquoise escapes, but is struck by her own sword's energy. On top of it all, a character's endeavor to begin anew only thrusts her further into turmoil. All the actors delivered splendid performances. Michelle Yeoh played Zeng Jing with her usual aplomb. Jung Woo Sung was endearing as the soft-spoken Ah Sheng, but transitioned nicely once his agenda was revealed. Shawn Yue as the family-man assassin Lei Bin left an impact, particularly due to his last moments. I found Barbie Hsu as the trashy psychopath rather funny - I just couldn't take the character seriously, but she did a good job. Seriously, if you haven't watched this film yet, I suggest you sit down with it sometime. It is the best wuxia movie in a long time. :) It explores character motives, so that each fighter's discernible traits are not limited to weapons used/fighting technique. This movie has a Gu Long feel due to its rich variety of characters, thrilling mystery, and intriguing dialogue. Nothing is ever what it seems to be. Get ready for an exhilarating ride of intrigue and irony. A compelling story of concealed identities, ulterior motives, self-preservation, sacrifice, revenge - building up to a final both tragic and piercingly romantic. Oops... I didn't realize I was doing a review. Anyway, you guys gotta watch this. ;) Movie : Reign of Assassins [劍雨] [검우강호] 2010 Starring : Michelle Yeoh, Jung Woo Sung, Wang Xueqi, Shawn Yue Man Lok, Barbie Hsu, Kelly Lin, Pace Wu, Leon Dai, Guo Xiaodong, Jiang Yiyan, Calvin Li, Matt Wu Timeline : Ming Dynasty Genre : wuxia, martial arts/action, thriller, mystery, romance. Awards : Best Director (Su Chaopin), Film of Merit. I do not own anything in this video. No copyright infringement intended.
