SHADOW: MORE THAN MARTIAL ARTS

For many their only exposure to the films from Asia were the kung fu flicks seen on martial arts theater programs of the older Akira Kurosawa films from the past like THE SEVEN SAMURAI. But there is more to it than that and much of it is becoming readily available through companies like Arrow who has resurrected the yakuza films made in the past and Well Go who is highlighting the movies coming out currently. One such film from Well Go is SHADOW and that film is a stunning visual feast.

The story revolves around two the kingdoms of Pei and Yang. Years ago Yang won the battle and took over the city of Jingzhou. Today the general of the Pei military, Commander Ziyu (Deng Chou), has challenged the leader of Yang, Yang Cang (Hu Jun), without the permission of the ruler of Pei, Pei Lian (Ryan Zheng) and must now face the consequences. As punishment he is stripped of his command but allowed to live.

In truth Ziyu is not who he seems. In fact his real name is Jingzhou (Chou again) and he is a double or shadow of the real Ziyu. Found when he was young he’s been raised to take his place should something like this happen. Ziyu actually faced off against Cang in the past and was mortally wounded. Now ill and hiding in a cave with access to his home, he has been training Jingzhou to battle Cang and win. But something is missing.

Ziyu’s wife Xiao Ai (Sun Li) is aware of all that’s taking place and helping. While watching the two men training she realizes the secret to defeating Cang, using a different method of attack. With her help Jingzhou might just have a chance.

But the film isn’t simply about combat. There are chess pieces being moved on the board in high court intrigue as well. In an attempt to save face Pei Lan offers his sister as a bride to Cang’s son Yang Ping (Leo Wu). Cang returns with a counteroffer that doubles as an insult, suggesting she become his concubine instead.

This combination of combat and behind the scenes machinations makes this film more interesting than most martial arts films while providing enough action to keep fans interested. The maneuverings of the kings on both sides but particularly those of Pei show and his concern for his power above all else even at the expense of his sister and people. Claiming he does so to maintain peace, his stature it truly what motivates him.

On the other hand Ziyu wants nothing but to retake the city that was once lost and reclaim his power. Should he succeed the odds are he would replace Pei. And what of Jingzhou? His interest lie in trying to find his birth mother now living in Jingzhou, placed there by Ziyu. One thing Ziyu didn’t count on though was the attraction between Jingzhou and his wife.

All of these plot line come together at the best moment to move the story forward and do so with ease. The players of all sides will face off against their hopes and fears and in the end those left standing will be the ones who win it all.

The cinematography here is stunning. It feels like a monochromatic film with everything tinted in a blue color pallet but it works. The constant rain in the film also adds much to the way things are shot and work out. Combined with some subtle yet amazing sets, in particular a battle platform made of the yin/yang symbols is well done and adds to the story.

Director Yimou Zhang is well regarded as one of the leading directors in Chinese cinema today. He’s been nominated for best foreign film three times for JU DOU, RAISE THE RED LANTERN and HERO and won awards at the Venice and Cannes film festivals. His HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS was highly praised and he’s even made an English language film with THE GREAT WALL that starred Matt Damon. This film has already been nominated for a won several awards and I would be surprised if it isn’t nominated come Oscar time for best foreign film.

Well Go is releasing the film in its original language but for those inclined not to read subtitles it also has an English soundtrack to it as well. That should help the film to reach a much wider audience than would usually see a film like this. I hope so. The movie is incredible to watch and deserves to be seen. I can’t recommend it highly enough. 

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