Hidden Blade

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.

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.

HiddenBlade is Noir film, artistic film!!!!

Cinematography of Hidden Blade is amazing perfect and beautiful!! There have plot-twist. 🎥🎥

Acting of Tony Leung and Zhou Xun is so worth to watch. Young Actor Wang Yibo's acting is still get along with Tony Leung, more than expectations!!

Great job Actor Yibo!!

Some people who gave 1 star or. 2 star to film is obviously gave by anti because of they hate Yibo a lot.

Even though anti hate yibo a lot, they should know and Google first who is director Cheng Er.

Cheng Er's Level is not cheap !!!

Those anti personally and obviously attack to yibo without watching Movie!!!

I accept some people may not like Cheng Er's style but this is not bad film!!

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.

The cast is very attractive. The film is a non-linear narrative method that Director Cheng Er is good at. You can understand it if you immerse yourself in it.

The first half is mainly about the role of Mr. He. Tony is still so handsome. He uses his original voice, including Mandarin and Cantonese. The original lines are great!

The second part mainly talks about the role of Mr. Ye played by Wang Yibo. There is an action play by a single shot which is so wonderful. In the film, there are many scenes of personal performance. He plays very well and can feel the emotions of the character. He has a lot of Japanese dialogue in the film, all of which are learned and performed at shooting site. It is amazing that his language talent and learning ability.

Women's roles are not many, but they are all amazing. Zhou Xun, as the director said, "every pore can play". Jiang Shuying impressed me deeply and is quite memorable. I think the director is good at telling women's roles in troubled times.

The film tells the story of Anti-Japanese War in China. After the outbreak of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Central Special Action Section of the CPC contend with Chongqing, Wang Jingwei's Puppet Regime and Japanese spy agencies in Shanghai. Through the complex information system behind the enemy, it plotted against the enemy, obtained information, and killed the traitors. The underground agents risked their lives to send information, and established a broader united front, until the eve of the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and defended the motherland with their lives. The whole process was extremely exciting, with compact plot, beautiful scenes, exquisite props, and immersive performances. The narrative form of interlude plays up the tense plot. The seemingly unrelated scenes have a continuous relationship. When you put these information together, you will find that the story is extremely wonderful and memorable.