House of Flying Daggers - Top notch martial arts action

I read a few criticisms of the House of Flying Daggers that it's all `style over substance.' Well, it's certainly stylish, but I found there to be a fair amount of substance in essentially a kick-kicky type film.

Yes, it's dubbed into English. Some will appreciate that, other puritans may long to see it in its native tongue. Either way, I don't think it will affect too many people's perception of the film. It's about a subversive organisation, known as the `Flying Daggers' who are working to bring down the corrupt Chinese government of times past. The chief of police gets one of his best men to befriend a female member of the Daggers, in the hope that she'll lead the authorities to the Daggers' leader, in order to destroy them at the highest level.

Nothing too new there and I won't give any more away on the story, as there may be a few twists and turns that you don't see coming.

It is beautifully shot. Obviously too much for some, who cry style over substance. I don't see how people can't be taken with the scenery and costumes. Plus the fight scenes (of which there are certainly many!) are amazingly choreographed. The film runs for nearly two hours, but I'm pleased to say that it doesn't seem that long.

There's enough drama and character development intertwined with the obligatory martial arts then mixed with a love story to give you something pretty interesting.
I doubt the House of Flaying Daggers will ever become too mainstream. Ultimately, most of its audience will be those at least with a passing interest in martial arts films, but if you've watched any of them, or simply enjoyed Bruce Lee's work, then give it a go. It's good fun.

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one