Shadow

I'm never a big fan of Mr. Zhang Yimou especially in recent two decades. To me his all time best movie is "To Live"(1994). After 2000, since "Hero", his movies seems only focused on creating pretty images but all have very weak stories and most of the characters were too simple and tedious. But this time "Shadow" is not a weak story, it looks like a simple story but in fact is a complicated one which have several storylines and everybody in this movie have multiple character sides, every characters has strong personalities and strong thoughts. Although there are still some symbolic things which are kinda weird but I have to say this is one of his best in recent two decades.

Shadow is a visually-stunning film. The plot was only modestly-interesting, but the breathtaking visuals and excellent use of music kept every moment of this film engaging. The action scenes are innovative. While technically a color film, most of the film looks black and white, except for the blood. Filming in the constant rain must have been unpleasant, but it contributes greatly the the amazing visual experience.

I just watched this movie a few hours ago and i am still dizzy. The lack of background colors and the almost constant rain add to the complex intrigue. Until the end, one does not know where the director will take us. It is beautifully crafted, the action is realistic, the acting is perfect. This is another "Chef d'oeuvre" from Zhang Yimou. It will be one of these few movies which I shall watch again.. and again, with the same pleasure

When I watched "HERO" I just loved it. I fell love with the worldbuilding and the colorful settings and the choreographes were one of a kind. So, "Ying" comes out and it really looks different. I tried to avoid any advertsiment and I went blind. The result... "Ying" is worth watching, although it has its flaws I guess. Let's start with the good news: The cinematography is something you must... experience. I like that the whole film is driven by the ying and yiang symbol and it's a black and white film without being black and white. Both the production and the costume design is impeccable and even the ones who hate such stylish films ought to show a bit of respect for the work done. Almost every shot can be used as a wallpaper and although some shots were bleak or fake, the film's presentation is one of a kind. The souundtrack is also great. The instrument used provokes a lot of emotion and I actually felt that the sound editing and mixing were used in a unique way. The music speaks for itself and creates a weird but interesting tone. The battle sequences and the training were both expertly shot and the choreograhy was great and never felt too pretentious. As for the script... it's good... but not my thing. I actually felt that the script wasn't sure about where it was going. It's like a liitle it of everything and I cannot say I was connected with the story. I still don't know what it wanted to be... What I made about it was that it tried to illustrate how it is quite impossible to have a ying and a yang and find balance and peace. Thing will always be shacky and it also illustrated the games of power and grid and how everone will do anything for power. I loved the action sequences and the script was a nice of writing, but the dynamics and the character arcs were never 10/10 so that I could be fully into it. The acting is overall good, it's just that Chao Deng played both the potagonist, who is a silent force and the old man, who is a crazy maniac and even if he did handle the 2 different roles pretty good I felt that he overacted while playing the old man. It was probably froced, but I just hateit when they are overacting. Overall, this film is good. It is brillliantly shot , the technical aspects are almost perfect and a lot of choices in the story were clever and differed the movie from silly blockbusters or cliches. A good, stylish, Chinese watch with characters always seeking for acceptance and longing for power. Its impressive shots and great visual direction are what making this film a good watch and are the reason why I am giving it an 8/10. It's closer to a seven than to a nine, but an 8 will do.

Right off the bat, I'll mention the main negative of the movie (as this will probably be the first thing you will encounter).

The beginning is so slow and uninteresting, that you'll be tempted to switch off after the first 30 minutes. And you'll be forgiven for doing so, due to the very limited nature of the characters and setting. And as bizarre this may sound, one of the film's main strengths -- the dull colours / visuals -- may contribute to your boredom. And that's because of the movie's chosen colour scheme (dark grey vs light grey).

But if you can get over this hurdle (and its not easy, I admit) and appreciate how beautiful they movie actually looks, you'll soon be rewarded with a middle and end that eventually picks up in excitement, plot and action.

If you're a fan of Chinese cinema and its ancient themes, you'll like this. The way its shot, the editing, the action and the visuals....are stunning at times. And you may appreciate it if you can get over the very boring beginning.