Media Meditation #3: Colors galore with Flying daggers

One of the best directors (and possibly my favorite in the country) in China is Zhang YiMou. Recently, under the enchanting effects of a large HD projector, my friends and I watched House of Flying Daggers, a film directed by Zhang YiMou in 2004.

Picture of Zhang YiMou at the Hawaii International Film Festival in 2005

(Image courtesy of Wikipedia)

Before I talk about the film itself, Zhang YiMou's achievement should be noted. Some of his most famous works include Hero (with Jet Li in it, and also another excellent film)

Promotional poster for the movie Hero

(Image courtesy of wikipedia)

... and Not One Less (in which he won the Golden Lion award) and he was also the director of the Opening and Closing Ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. So needless to say, anything produced by this man would be quite interesting.

Now, a little information on the movie I watched. House of Flying Daggers is an action film that takes place during the late Tang Dynasty. Rebel groups, especially the House of Flying Daggers, have formed against the government. Two local officers of the government decide to uproot the House by devising a plan, sending in one of the officers as an undercover along with a known agent of the House. But, of course, as most movies go, plans are thrown out the window and plot twists are introduced. For me to explain or even lightly touch upon the rest of the story would do the film no justice.

One of the features I must talk about regarding the film though, is the director's excellent use of various production technique. For one, the soundtrack of this movie has been met with critical acclaim, and after watching the movie, I must say that the music goes extremely well with the flow of the plot. Scenes are not only accompanied, but are enhanced through the music - a feature that few films are able to achieve in my opinion.

In addition, not only is the plot quality itself, but the delivery of the plot is amazing. Suspense is created through intentional pacing, with cinematically appealing slow-motion at crucial moments. It is a shame that I cannot offer any examples, but spoiling the movie would be even worse.

The best production technique employed, however, is the use of color by Zhang YiMou. If you have seen Hero, then the technique will be familiar. Zhang YiMou employs a masking color theme for important scenes.

A scene in the movie, depicting the director's vivid use of color.

(Image courtesy of filmexperience.blogspot.com)

The colors in the scenes vary in intensity, but the spectrum of colors is spectacular, especially in the last scene where snow is used in the background.

Anyhow, not only did I think this movie was well made and of quality, but what is so unique about the film is its delivery of the story. I implore each of you to just kick back and, literally, enjoy the vivid cinematography of this film. If you liked it, try watching Zhang YiMou's earlier film, Hero, which employs a similar technique.