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House of Flying Daggers

House of Flying Daggers

2004
Romance
Drama
1h 59m
The year is 859 AD, and China's once flourishing Tang Dynasty is in decline. Unrest is raging throughout the land, and the corrupt government is locked in battle with rebel armies that are forming in protest. The largest and most prestigious of these rebel groups is the House of Flying Daggers, which is growing ever more powerful under a mysterious new leader. (Sony Pictures Classics)
Your probable score
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House of Flying Daggers

2004
Romance
Drama
1h 59m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 57.19% from 5272 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(5272)
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Rated 19 Aug 2016
85
63rd
A gorgeous movie with some cool fights but a weak story and bland characters. If they'd spent as much time on the script as on the cinematography and production design, they might have really had something.
Rated 14 Oct 2008
97
99th
Great Asian movie. I like it very much especially the dancing of the blind girl. Beautiful filmed !!
Rated 27 Jan 2019
90
91st
Like Hero before it I'm surprised by how invested I was in the story. I came for the martial arts, where it certainly delivered both in choreography and how beautiful the film is, but the cherry on top was that I found the plot both interesting and heartfelt. This is more romance than Hero was, but because of that the final fight was actually really emotional and brutal. But even if you just judge it based on how wuxia it is, it succeeds admirably.
Rated 16 Jul 2008
58
26th
A visually beautiful film, but clearly aimed at a Western audience. If you dig beneath its pretty colours you'll find a film which is more shallow than a film of this genre ought to be; lacking a strong story, important message or grand theme.
Rated 14 Jul 2016
87
77th
The highly stylized environment of House of Flying Daggers makes for such a beautiful world. The colors are so vibrant in some scenes and so muted in others to reflect the action. The beauty does not just exist in the environment though, it permeates the ebb and flow of tenderness and violence in the world and the interactions between characters. That beauty is then just built on by the performances of Takeshi Kaneshiro (Jin), Zhang Ziyi (Xiao Mei), and Andy Lau (Leo).
Rated 20 Aug 2008
85
45th
Beautiful film, focus is more on love story than fighting (though there is a fair amount of that) -- includes some intriguge, too. However, loses points for a lame ending that falls into cliche and fails to tie up all the loose ends of the story.
Rated 11 Oct 2008
30
18th
I'm afraid I will never know how to like Asian films. It's always the same boring stuff about characters that are just as interesting as a dead fish.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
54th
Although it's the best of Zhang's wuxia films, that's a dubious distinction when the other two are so dull and empty. This one is a little more entertaining, but not by much. The plot is simplistic as hell and there's very little substance. The fight scenes are generally good, and of course the visuals are absolutely dazzling. But the drama and romance are lifeless. Great eye candy, not much else. Let's hope Zhang goes back to doing what he does best.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
64
52nd
Another Chinese Drama. I love the exaggerated action, but this one has the added twist of a slow and boring love between two characters which does nothing but bore me.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
38th
Stunning throughout, but the story collapses on itself in the third act. Everyone should see it for the cinematography.
Rated 25 Apr 2010
4
55th
Once the plot twists spill out, this movie falls to pieces. I really wasn't even much into it before but it's just so damn pretty. Cinematography, choreography, and art design of this level should be put to better use - about the polar opposite of the quality that kept me coming back to the early period of Yimou Zhang.
Rated 22 May 2020
94
89th
Visually (and emotionally) scrumptious epic is so much fun to luxuriate in that you can forgive minor plotting issues (why the intriguing political machinations have to be scrapped and ignored in the second half for a tried-and-true love triangle is a bit of a head scratcher). Well served by its three leads who do inspire investment in the melodrama, making the stunning climax (as summer turns to winter) all the more powerful and moving.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
70
79th
Poor script is made up for by some good fight scenes and some stunning scenes.
Rated 09 Apr 2010
95
83rd
Very visually beautiful film. I loved the action, the scenery, the costumes, and the use of color!
Rated 26 Feb 2007
71
60th
Prrrreeeettttttyyy.....
Rated 30 Mar 2010
75
71st
Yimou Zhang is influenced by Japanese Kabuki and Chinese stage theater. There are elements of all in the dramatic use of sets, mid-scene changes in scenery, colorful costumes, and above all the "exaggerated" acting. This is intentionally done theater with wuxia as the genre backdrop. This isn't everyone's cup of tea because it's a complete divorce from reality but it's also breathtaking and uninhibited. The major flaws are overuse of CGI and the dramatic love triangle is best left to the stage.
Rated 08 May 2010
65
45th
OK, the scenery looks gorgeous, I'll give it that. Unfortunately there won't be anyone to sympathise with, literally every character has a double agenda, every fight ends with an offscreen presence swooping in to save the ones in danger, and overuse of CGI sucks away the fun of the otherwise nicely staged fights. Decent, nothing more.
Rated 02 Nov 2017
37
15th
Attempted rape and martial arts, plus some beautiful forest scenes.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
76th
Beautiful to look at, with wonderfully powerful performances. Neck and neck with the less passionate but thematically stronger "Hero".
Rated 20 Jul 2008
75
57th
A stunning and beautiful movie. awesome effects and a great plot.
Rated 07 Mar 2007
58
14th
The story sounded interesting, but it really falls flat on delivery. Its a beautiful movie to look at but I feel it lacks depth.
Rated 01 Jul 2009
88
85th
Fantastic action scenes and lush visuals overcome a so-so storyline.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
25
7th
I liked Hero, Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon.... but this was switched to a heavy boredom....
Rated 27 Feb 2007
55
27th
A beautiful film but that's it. It doesn't matter how nice it is to look at when it's this boring.
Rated 01 Oct 2010
69
49th
a chine's tale about love
Rated 29 Jun 2014
65
42nd
A step down from "Ying xiong", this is pure eye-candy but little more. The plot is broad, obvious melodrama and the dialogue is subpar at best. Still, Zhang's style is unsurpassed -purely in terms of visuals, this is one of the most stunning films ever made. I just wish the script was little more than pretext.
Rated 02 Jun 2008
93
85th
Breath-taking visuals, amazing storyline, heartbreaking ending.
Rated 09 Mar 2023
80
16th
Visually appealing but movie ends with powerful heteronormative cliche finale.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
58th
Lovely, poetic, empassioned, and visually impressive. Great character work, and, of course, superlative martial arts and camera work.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
77
64th
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Rated 01 Jul 2007
40
11th
Awful pretty, and the bean-drum dance sequence is cool on a technical level, but otherwise a pretty useless film.
Rated 31 Aug 2007
65
44th
good, but still the weakest on this new genere of high end martial art legend movies
Rated 13 Dec 2010
90
73rd
A good film even though I sometimes get some scenes mixed up with the golden flower movie
Rated 21 Oct 2010
80
40th
I give this a solid B. It's something you can watch if you just feel like some entertainment.
Rated 08 Jan 2013
76
48th
ortalama ustunde
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
11th
some amazing scenes, but overall it was boring.
Rated 18 Oct 2007
90
69th
Beautifully amazing.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
74th
A gorgeous and entertaining wuxia film with a story that disappointingly falls apart in the final half hour.
Rated 04 Feb 2018
80
85th
Visually pretty to look at.
Rated 12 Nov 2007
80
51st
Very pretty!
Rated 21 Apr 2007
60
47th
Great fighting & effects & loved the last scene.
Rated 20 Feb 2014
61
44th
It's beautiful, but it's a structural mess.
Rated 05 Sep 2008
39
25th
Over-long and difficult to follow (or care about), the visual splendor isn't worth sitting through the incredible special effects, particularly the "flying" sequences.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
50th
I'm a huge fan of Chinese films; even a bigger fan of Martial Arts epics. This one has compelling cinematography and great stars in Andy Lau, Ziyi Zhang and Takeshi Kaneshiro - where it fails is the staple of the genre - the overly melodramatic love story. Often compared to 'HERO' (due to the timing of its release more than anything) it just doesn't measure up.
Rated 17 Jan 2007
83
69th
Beautiful cinematography and fantastic stories like that of House of Flying Daggers have become a mainstay in Hong Kong Action/Dramas. What sets HoFD apart is its outstanding use of color in both costume design and set design. It's a sight worth seeing. Really good!
Rated 11 Jul 2008
40
13th
Just felt lacklustre from start to finish.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
27th
Not as good as Hero
Rated 04 Jul 2012
75
60th
Decent wuxia with all the typical flair of the genre. Zhang Yimou's strong use of color is great to look at again, but the film pales in comparison to his previous efforts in Hero.
Rated 11 Nov 2008
85
33rd
Very graphically pretty movie with some nice action. The love story behind it was pretty okay, but their journey was fun to watch.
Rated 20 Nov 2011
95
66th
Beautiful movie. Slightly too predictable but it's so epic I enjoyed beign swept away.
Rated 10 Aug 2008
81
73rd
Slightly less beautiful and not as well written as Hero.
Rated 31 Oct 2007
87
53rd
amazing visually, the story is a bit slow
Rated 22 Aug 2010
75
87th
The Chinese certainly can do plot twists.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
36th
Did not enjoy this nearly as much as I thought I would.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
98
77th
as good as Hero
Rated 18 Aug 2007
85
62nd
While the story is not very original, the movie is a feast for the eyes. Beautifully photographed.
Rated 17 Feb 2024
80
96th
#24#, rw5, loved, rewatch(4) }*{ #00s(m)#, story, reviews, director Zhang!
Rated 21 Aug 2007
90
81st
beautiful, stunning, and full of Takeshi goodness.
Rated 24 Jul 2012
57
29th
The cinematography, costumes, sets and use of vivid colour combine to make 'House of...' a feast for the eyes. On occassion it is breathtakingly beautiful - the bamboo forest being one example. However, i felt the romance plot and individual scenes weren't entirely convincing, which, considering it's basically a romance film, is disappointing. It seemed as if details were second to spectacle which, ultimately, upset the spectacle. The fight scenes were hit and miss too.
Rated 16 Apr 2009
35
32nd
Fell asleep from boredom during this one. The action is mildly interesting but everything else seemed lazy. If you're into martial arts you may like this one, just don't get comfortable when you're watching it. (note: I need to watch this again)
Rated 06 Apr 2020
92
47th
Wow to cinematography and plot's twists! Thumbs down to the numerous unanswered questions like: Who really was Nia, the head of the House of Flying Daggers (HFD)? Did HFD capture the government military general? Did the HFD survive after its hideout was surrounded by the general's army? How about the HFD mole, the captain, and Jin his lieutenant, did they die of their wounds? SCORING: 99-96=Great; 95-90=Very good; 89-85=Good; 84-80=So-so; 79-70=Boring; Below 70=Forget it.
Rated 06 Jan 2016
100
70th
Wonderful poetic history
Rated 28 Jul 2008
98
97th
Gorgeous scenery and fantastic action. Beautiful actors too. Loved it.
Rated 13 Nov 2008
60
25th
i don't understand why movies like this and crouching tiger hidden dragon have such a large audience in the US.. there are many other much better chinese films that are never released here.
Rated 04 Apr 2012
2
37th
Promising start and good end but I'm not so sure about everything in between. Choreography and style are great, "showgirls" are good looking(=hawt) but plot is kinda cheesy. If I disregard the ending, it pretty much falls in "Sucker Punch" category: eyes will feast and brains will bleed.
Rated 10 Jun 2009
71
81st
Good action film, well presented. A government agent is sent in to investigate a band of rebels.
Rated 17 Apr 2009
3
27th
Those spears were bullshit.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
82nd
Prettier than hero, but doesn't pack as big a punch. One of the most dazzling martial arts pics around.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
1
17th
Nice visuals but endless fight scenes never fail to bore the hell out of me and the story is spectacularly uninteresting. Ridiculous even.
Rated 15 Aug 2019
54
45th
Beautiful but boring. One interesting thing about the movie is that for most of it we have no idea who these characters are. We never know how sincere or duplicitous the characters are being because they are all playing a role. In addition, the background of political revolution is pure window dressing that is meant to be inconsequential in the face of the more important love story. These two factors stopped me from latching on to any narrative element of the film.
Rated 19 Feb 2024
25
8th
Tastelessly pretty picture which grows tired very quickly under the weight of laboured beauty. As such, it would have been much better off sealing the deal with an epic battle at the end, rather than dwelling on melodrama.
Rated 08 Sep 2007
60
23rd
Every shot is exquisitely beautiful, which strangely detracts from the movie. Eventually it wears you down, so you get beauty fatigue and it lacks story to carry you through. Great screensaver, but not remotely in the same genus as Crouching Tiger.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
74
50th
Gorgeous but boring. Rather slow.
Rated 24 Nov 2009
9
97th
Had this film not been cut short, it may have been my favorite to date.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
81
73rd
I stopped caring about the story about halfway through the movie, but watching something like this for a story is pointless. Like Hero, or Crouching Tiger with less flying.
Rated 17 Aug 2007
50
33rd
"Hero Reloaded"
Rated 24 Mar 2007
78
50th
Really entertaining if over-the-top in places. Looks beautiful.
Rated 20 Jul 2010
95
79th
good story good action okay pace
Rated 27 Jun 2007
85
55th
Damn fine.
Rated 07 Sep 2010
70
44th
Visually beautiful the film collapses a little when you try to involve yourself in the storyline.
Rated 21 Aug 2007
60
55th
Chinese language, amazing visuals, specially the bamboo forest fight sequences are amazingly rich in clarity and colors but the story is disappointingly shally and cliche`d.
Rated 06 Jan 2010
55
38th
Really loved the first chapter at the Peony Palace, but after that it all went downhill. The film runs totally out of steam well before the final, seemingly endless sequence. I won't be bothering to dust this one off again.
Rated 27 Mar 2007
79
74th
Better than Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, though with similar choreography. Less boring. Same hot chicks.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
67th
A brilliant lead-up that falls apart somewhat in the final act. Stunning photography though.
Rated 28 May 2023
39
29th
Beautiful, great green. Gets soppy and very melodramatic at the end
Rated 26 May 2007
50
36th
Not bad.
Rated 05 Oct 2013
85
83rd
85.000
Rated 21 Jan 2022
73
63rd
Visually stunning and with exciting action sequences that feel both modern and old school simultaneously. While the film never stops being gorgeous, it does stop being interesting during long stretches of blunt exposition. The visual effects haven't aged all that well but, luckily, they aren't too distracting and don't detract too much from the "cool factor" of the action scenes.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
19
11th
What a fucking stupid movie.
Rated 26 Jan 2009
70
54th
Good action movie.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
7
84th
Another in a recent series of overly lush Chinese drama-action-romance epics, this one is good despite a somewhat melodramatic love story because it's so goddamn gorgeous, both the visuals, and Ziyi Zhang, who is a freakin' dream.
Rated 27 Feb 2008
78
93rd
ger
Rated 01 Apr 2014
90
88th
- 8/10/12
Rated 16 Jul 2008
70
45th
This is a pretty, pretty movie. I would like to date all of the main players and I'd like to live the forest where most of the action takes place. Visuals aside, it's pretty standard as Chinese martial arts films go, so if you liked Hero and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, there's a good chance you'll enjoy House of Flying Daggers.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
60th
In comparison to Hero, the movie lacked in appeal. Worth the rental.
Rated 16 Nov 2007
50
56th
beautiful film, enjoyed this more than crouching tiger.
Rated 17 Dec 2011
65
61st
As a drama, this is a very flawed picture, and Yimou's storytelling barely achieves a decent dramatic result. As an action film, though, this is amazingly crafted, and you actually feel kind of bored when the fight scenes end and all that romantic crap begins.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
34th
This was an interesting martial arts movie, along the lines of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Very beautiful scenery and action. Interesting story line. I enjoyed this movie.
Rated 09 Nov 2010
40
59th
If there's a Chinese Oscar this is a winner. Slow but beautiful, full of action but sad and somewhat passive. It was a good watch but not a milestone in anything but bamboo photography.
Rated 29 Mar 2008
75
44th
Film like a dream.

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