The Assassins, Tong Que Tai (2012)
Directed by: Linshan Zhao
Written by: Bin Wang
Starring: Hiroshi Tamaki, Yifei Liu, Yun-Fat Chow
THE ASSASSINS (aka Tong Que Tai) (2012)
Directed by Linshan Zhao
The Assassins follows the last years of warlord Cao Cao, King of Wei and Chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, who many believe is a ruthless tyrant, threatening the Three Kingdoms within China. Children across the land of parents slain by Cao Cao are taken prisoner and trained for how to fight for five grueling years, before they are sent on a mission to assassinate Cao Cao in exchange for their freedom. Young lovers, Mu Shun and Ling Jv are split up, with Mu Shun serving the Emperor Xian, whilst Ling Jv becomes the lover of Cao Cao. Backstabbing and political tricks ensue, but not even the prospect of death can deter Cao Cao from his mission.
Chow Yun-Fat stars as the all-powerful Cao Cao, who’s treated like a God, more than a mere mortal, and who’s brutality is feared amongst the land. Liu Yi Fei plays his lover, Ling Jv, assigned to get as close to the warlord as possible and assassinate him. Stunningly beautiful, Ling Jv captures the heart of Cao Cao, and she too senses a caring heart within his fearsome shell. Will she bring herself to kill this man, someone who treats her with kindness, the opposite of his intimidating image?
The Assassins is being marketed as a martial arts film, but this is definitely an historic dynasty war drama, with no martial arts on show, just a handful of sword fights. The real bulk of the film is not the action, but the political turbulence and the suffering romance between Ling Jv and her childhood friend and true love, Mu Shun (Tamaki Hiroshi). Despite protecting the Emperor, Cao Cao is seen as a threat, someone who’ll usurp the Emperor, and must be delt with at all costs. Ling Jv is torn between her mission, her love for Mu Shun and her growing affection for Cao Cao.
The cinematography in the film is absolutely stunning, with the camera flowing throughout the scene displaying the aesthetic beauty of the era. Characters, particularly those with power, are dressed to impress, whilst even the battlewear garments are a joy to behold.
Whilst the film is very much a conflict drama at heart, there is the odd bit of comedy injected which feels rather out of place. Emperor Xian is the main source of comedy, with his high pitched singing and immature frolicking about. The way he presents himself is in stark contrast to the mature and experienced Cao, and it’s no wonder that the thought of the emperor being overthrown entered many heads if the emperor acts like a pansy.
Subtitled in English, The Assassins almost requires that the viewer have knowledge of the Eastern Han Dynasty, else it will take you a little while to get settled into the movie to work out what is happening, and who the ‘good guys’ are and who aren’t. It won’t be much problem for native Chinese viewers but viewers overseas that are unfamiliar with Chinese history may struggle a bit. Nevertheless, The Assassins is an enjoyable film for what it’s worth, with a powerful, inspiring performance from Chow Yun-Fat.
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