House of Flying Daggers

PG-13

Released Dec 10, 2004

1h 59m

Action

List

87%

172 Reviews

Tomatometer

82%

100,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

The Tang Dynasty is fighting to keep control over China, a battle they are losing to several rebel groups. One such group is the House of Flying Daggers, who steal from the wealthy and give to the poor. Two police deputies working with the government (Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau) are ordered to investigate the dancer Mei (Zhang Ziyi), who is rumored to be working with the House of Flying Daggers. But both men fall under her charms and decide to help her escape instead.

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Critics Consensus

The visual splendor of the movie makes up for the weak story.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Gorgeous, but also very violent.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 24, 2010

Full Review

Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

Wonderfully conveys how the act of loving another can be a game, a sacrifice, a ruse, a weapon, a betrayal, and, most of all, a political act.

Rated: A

May 4, 2005

Full Review

Kimberley Jones

Austin Chronicle

Rated: 4/5

Jan 16, 2005

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

... it is the lush photography, magical martial arts choreography, and high-flying battle ballets that make the film so stunning.

Feb 3, 2024

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

rachelsreviews.net

It reminded me of a Chinese version of Twilight to be honest with this horrible love triangle

Rated: 4/10

Aug 29, 2020

Full Review

Miles Fielder

The List

None of Daggers' ménage á trios of characters is developed... It denies the drama audience sympathy.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 23, 2019

Full Review

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Dean P

A forgotten gem now available on Hulu at the time of this writing. This movie has everything: Strong acting, writing, direction, action/choreography, mystery, betrayal, love/Zhang Ziyi, weakness...and even some humor. All of these elements are charismatically crafted with a clear vision and razor sharp execution. I miss movies of this quality. Highly recommended. 👍👍👍

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/24

Full Review

Kevin L

Another exceptional film by Zhang Yimou, "House of Flying Daggers" has all the qualities that have made so many wuxia films by Zhang and others so spectacular. Vibrant colors in the gorgeous costume designs, set decorations, and natural settings that combine with the brilliant visual effects and finely orchestrated fight scenes to make the films so enticing and a feast for the eyes. The verdurous woods and the countryside of trees in their fall display are as lovely and affecting as the layout and decorations of the rooms of the troops and those of the Flying Daggers. There's the classic story set up of rebels versus what they see as an oppressive, corrupt government. The use of a mole, double-crossing, role-playing and deep deception are all in play here. And there's the love triangle that breeds intense jealousy and bitterness. Strong performances from Kaneshiro, Lau and Dandan in key roles. But it's the striking, elegant, visceral presence of Zhang Ziyi as Mei that carries the film most. She brings amazing eloquence, subtlety as well as intensity to Mei, adding to a sense of authenticity to the movie. Loved it. 4 stars

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/05/23

Full Review

Gareth v

In a period of fine wuxia movies, The House of the Flying Daggers is up there with one of the best made. A colourful and thought provoking movie that is well worth checking out.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/26/23

Full Review

StephenPaul C

The greatest action-packed 01 hours: and 59 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/11/23

Full Review

Maiia E

Aesthetically pleasing movie with eye candy acting, though the predictability of the plot development subdue the joy.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

bob p

Gorgeous movie with stunning landscapes and lots of choreographed action scenes. Beautiful romantic love story with lots of twists. The music score was also fantastic. I loved this movie and can't believe it took me 19 years to watch it. Highly recommended!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Yimou Zhang

Director

Takeshi Kaneshiro

Jin

Andy Lau

Leo

Zhang Ziyi

Mei

Dandan Song

Yee

Hongfei Zhao

Performer

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House of Flying Daggers: Official Clip - Field Attack

2:13

House of Flying Daggers: Official Clip - Blood and Snow

2:13

House of Flying Daggers: Official Clip - The Flying Daggers

2:13

House of Flying Daggers: Official Clip - Bamboo Forest Battle

2:13

House of Flying Daggers: Official Clip - Forest Fight

2:13

House of Flying Daggers: Official Clip - Watching Her Bathe

2:09

House of Flying Daggers: Official Clip - Fighting Blind

2:13

House of Flying Daggers: Official Clip - The Drum Dance

2:13

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Synopsis

The Tang Dynasty is fighting to keep control over China, a battle they are losing to several rebel groups. One such group is the House of Flying Daggers, who steal from the wealthy and give to the poor. Two police deputies working with the government (Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau) are ordered to investigate the dancer Mei (Zhang Ziyi), who is rumored to be working with the House of Flying Daggers. But both men fall under her charms and decide to help her escape instead.

Director: Yimou Zhang
Producer: Weiping Zhang
Screenwriter: Feng Yi
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Elite Group Enterprises, China Film Co-Production Corporation, Beijing New Picture Film Co., Edko Films, Zhang Yimou Studio
Rating: PG-13 (Stylized Martial Arts Violence|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Action
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 10, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $11.0M
Runtime: 1h 59m
Sound Mix: Surround

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