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The Assassin

The Assassin

20156.41h 45m

Overview

9th century China. Ten year old general’s daughter Nie Yinniang is abducted by a nun who initiates her into the martial arts, transforming her into an exceptional assassin charged with eliminating cruel and corrupt local governors. One day, having failed in a task, she is sent back by her mistress to the land of her birth, with orders to kill the man to whom she was promised – a cousin who now leads the largest military region in North China. After 13 years of exile, the young woman must confront her parents, her memories and her long-repressed feelings.

Directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien
Written by Chu Tien-Wen, Hou Hsiao-hsien, Zhong A-Cheng
Produced by Song Dai, Stephen Lam Bing-Kwan, Peter Lam Kin-Ngok
Box OfficeBudget: $15.0MRevenue: $12.0M

Top Cast

Shu Qi

Shu Qi

Nie Yinniang

Chang Chen

Chang Chen

Tian Ji'an

Zhou Yun

Zhou Yun

Lady Tian Yuan / Jingjinger

Satoshi Tsumabuki

Satoshi Tsumabuki

Mirror Polisher

Ni Dahong

Ni Dahong

Nie Feng

Yong Mei

Yong Mei

Lady Nie Tian

Lei Zhenyu

Lei Zhenyu

Tian Xing

Nikki Hsieh

Nikki Hsieh

Huji

Ethan Juan

Ethan Juan

Xia Jing

Sheu Fang-Yi

Sheu Fang-Yi

Princess Jiacheng / Taoist Nun

Themes & Keywords

assassintang dynastywuxiaslow cinema7th century

About The Assassin

The Assassin is a drama, action film released in 2015 exploring themes of assassin, tang dynasty, wuxia, slow cinema, 7th century. Directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien, it stars Shu Qi, Chang Chen, Zhou Yun. 9th century China. Ten year old general’s daughter Nie Yinniang is abducted by a nun who initiates her into the martial arts, transforming her into an exceptional assassin charged with eliminating cruel and corrupt local governors. One day, having failed in a task, she is sent back by her mistress to the land of her birth, with orders to kill the man to whom she was promised – a cousin who now leads the largest military region in North China. After 13 years of exile, the young woman must confront her parents, her memories and her long-repressed feelings.

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