Wu ming

Espionage is widely regarded as a game of cat and mouse, and nowhere was that more apparent than in China during World War II, where a clandestine network of spies fought against their Japanese occupiers through meticulously executed acts of deception and false loyalty. At the same time, there were also competing, carefully concealed factions within their ranks quietly battling one another, relying on the same kinds of tactics used against their mutual enemies, for who would control the country during the post-war era, pitting Chinese nationalists against the rising tide of Communism. That tangled web of moves and counter-moves is effectively brought to life in writer-director Er Cheng's fourth feature outing, a film that seamlessly combines works drawn from the historical drama, action-adventure, thriller and arthouse genres, quite an accomplishment for such widely diverse materials. The picture's fine period piece production values, excellent ensemble cast (especially protagonists Tony Leung and Yibo Wang), atmospheric cinematography and superb special effects blend well to tell an engaging, visually tantalizing tale that gets better and better the further one gets into the story. Admittedly, the filmmaker's less-than-veiled political symbolism, which obviously is meant to bolster Chinese propagandist sentiments, can be seen as somewhat over the top at times. Moreover, the director's assumptions regarding audience foreknowledge of mid-20th Century Chinese history can occasionally leave viewers somewhat baffled and frustrated (though one should bear in mind that this was made for a Chinese audience). What's more, the picture's out-of-sequence storytelling can be a little frustrating (especially in the first hour), though, thanks to the film's inspired editing, the narrative cleverly circles back to its origins as the movie goes on, making up for what some may see as a shortcoming. However, these considerations aside, "Hidden Blade" is a surprising little gem, one that, hopefully, won't get lost in a sea of lesser releases or pictures that capture undeserved praise.

Surprisingly great! So many reversals and details which really need to range to see second time.

Actor Mr. Liang and actress Mrs. Zhou were acting as great as usual. The new film star Mr. Yibo performed unexpected awesome.

Director Mr. Cheng, unique narrative mode, inverted interpolation skill, strong individual style, and color application, which showing too many surprises for the audience.

Inside of story, it contains fight, belief, constrain, and insist, you could fully enjoy the charming of spy game and suspense experience.

Thanks for the wonderful performance for very actors and actress, and awesome technique for director and whole production team.

Director Cheng Er has corralled the large swathes of genius he exhibited in Lethal Hostage and The Wasted Times and painted a stunning movie that may be his masterpiece. His script and meticulous editing combine to present a gorgeous puzzle that is never too difficult to solve and unwinds in a clever way that leaves the audience feeling rewarded and satisfied. A mysterious set up leads to a nearly rapturous payoff, with nary a misstep along the way for movie viewers who pay attention.

Cheng Er couldn't have achieved such success without skilled players. Tony Leung and Zhou Xun give expected, empathetic performances. The movie feels solid and secure in their hands. But the heart of Hidden Blade actually rests on the shoulders of a young newcomer actor, Wang Yibo. Wang's performance is the definition of a brilliant debut. His character's ambiguous position--is he a villain or not?--is played subtley yet powerfully. It's not an exaggeration to state that the success of the story--and the movie as a whole--relies on Wang being able to carry such a complicated role. Fortunately he doesn't falter, leading the movie goer through a second half that leaves audiences breathless, stunned, and in awe.

Hidden Blade walks a fine line between fine art and commercial appeal. Though arguments can be made whether it leans one way or the other, the end result is a movie that leaves the viewer with the enviable feeling of having watched something wonderful and needing to know how much better it can be with repeat viewings. Regardless of final box office, Hidden Blade is a triumph for both Cheng Er and his talented cast.

Upfront, I am astounded by the dichromatic visual aesthetics, the painstaking production design, and the drearily solemn atmosphere, which swiftly institutes a suspenseful mood. The lingering tension continues to build as seemingly irrelevant narratives, discourses, and incidents begin to unfold, intersect, and repeat, embroidering a convoluted story with the aid of purposefully fragmented editing. However, lacking both historical contextualization and relational clarification, the movie demands much heed, deduction, and prior knowledge from its audience to fully comprehend and rationalize the plot. And yet, if you do manage to wade through the mist, you will find the tale hither and thither illogical, or flawed, for instance the riveting hallway brawl moderately contradicts the final revelation. Speaking of which, the prolix denouement marginally punctures the perfectly constructed angst in the first act, limiting blankness of interpretation. Overall, sublime performances, stylistic presentation, and undoubtedly a film I recommend.

Watched this movie twice already and Oh! What a wonderful cinema it is! Definitely a good turn in Chinese Cinema!

Obviously Tony Leung's acting was superb, and Wang Yi Bo did exceptionally well too. I think he did a really good job (especially the way he clench his jaw !) at protraying different emotions, and even though some scenes the acting was a bit awkward, the director also made a good job to "hide" it. Huang Lei and Zhou Xun were also great. The cinematography was also beautiful. Most of the scenes were really pretty and consisted of shades of yellow and blue, while some scenes were only composed of green. I also really liked that some scenes were like a mirror of each other, and the flash backs throughout the movie.