Ri guang xia gu

I saw this movie on SBS (in Australia) as the saturday night cult movie. This movie however is way too good to be a cult movie. it has some of the best sceneries I have ever seen. They are at par with Crouching Tiger (if not better).

The movie is based in the hills of China, seems suspiciously close to Mongolia (judging by landscapes and general look and feel). The time period is not entirely clear as I could clearly see some modern inventions like matches, water taps etc.

The central character is a lady(Hongliu) who runs an inn in the middle of nowhere(Sun Valley). She is a widow and has a son(Shazao). She is also happily involved with a local who is out of town most of the times.

Things become interesting with the advent of a stranger with a nifty sword and an uncanny reaction to blood. Its obvious that he has a dark side and a secret past.

The stranger starts living at the inn waiting for a "friend". Others reckon he is an "avenger" and would only bring trouble.

Without trying to give any more details about the plot, I can say that the movie is more of a character study than a typical kung fu/swordsplay or western.

The movie is worth watching just for the visuals alone. The characters are likeable and acting passable.