The Assassin DVD | 刺客聶隱娘 (2015)

The Assassin (2015), also known by its original Chinese title 刺客聶隱娘, is a visually stunning Taiwanese wuxia martial arts film directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hou Hsiao-hsien and starring Shu Qi as the legendary assassin Nie Yinniang. Set during China's Tang Dynasty, the film combines elegant swordplay, political intrigue, period drama, and carefully choreographed martial arts with Hou Hsiao-hsien's distinctive visual style. Winner of the Best Director award at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, The Assassin is an exceptional choice for collectors of Wuxia Movies, Chinese Martial Arts Movies, and rare Asian cinema on DVD. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com.

STORY OVERVIEW

Nie Yinniang is the daughter of a powerful general who is kidnapped as a child and taken away to be trained by a mysterious nun. Over the years, she becomes a highly skilled assassin, mastering the sword and the deadly arts while carrying out missions against corrupt and powerful officials.

After failing to complete one of her assignments, Yinniang is sent back to her homeland with a new mission: kill Tian Ji'an, the powerful governor of Weibo and the man to whom she was once betrothed. Returning after years away forces Yinniang to confront her family, her past, and the feelings she still carries for the man she has been ordered to kill.

WUXIA & MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Assassin takes a distinctive approach to the wuxia genre, favoring atmosphere, movement, swordplay, and carefully composed action over constant fighting. Nie Yinniang is portrayed as an exceptionally skilled assassin whose precise movements and mastery of the blade make her one of the film's most memorable martial arts characters.

The film's action sequences are brief but powerful, using traditional Chinese swordplay and wuxia combat within beautifully photographed Tang Dynasty landscapes and interiors. Rather than relying on nonstop action, director Hou Hsiao-hsien allows the martial arts sequences to emerge naturally from the story and characters.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

The Assassin is an unusual and highly acclaimed entry in modern wuxia cinema. Shu Qi delivers a restrained performance as Nie Yinniang, while Chang Chen portrays Tian Ji'an, the political leader who becomes the target of her mission. The combination of elegant swordplay, Tang Dynasty settings, political intrigue, and striking cinematography makes this a unique addition to any martial arts DVD collection.

AWARD-WINNING WUXIA CINEMA

Released in 2015, The Assassin received major international recognition, including the Best Director award for Hou Hsiao-hsien at the Cannes Film Festival. The film was also recognized at the Golden Horse Film Festival, further establishing it as one of the most acclaimed modern Chinese-language martial arts films.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Assassin – International English title
  • 刺客聶隱娘 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 刺客聂隐娘 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Cike Nie Yinniang – Mandarin pinyin
  • Nie Yinniang – Alternate romanized title
• Director: Hou Hsiao-hsien
• Writers: Hou Hsiao-hsien, Chu Tien-wen, Hsieh Hai-Meng, Acheng
• Based On: The Tang Dynasty story "Nie Yinniang" by Pei Xing
• Starring: Shu Qi, Chang Chen, Zhou Yun, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Nikki Hsin-Ying Hsieh, Ethan Juan, Ni Dahong, Sheu Fang-Yi
• Music: Lim Giong
• Cinematography: Mark Lee Ping Bin
• Country: Taiwan, China, Hong Kong
• Genre: Wuxia, Martial Arts, Historical, Drama, Action
• Martial Arts Focus: Wuxia Swordplay, Sword Fighting, Traditional Chinese Martial Arts
• Format: DVD
• Language: Mandarin Chinese
• Subtitles: English, French, Chinese
• Video: NTSC, 16:9 Widescreen
• Audio: Stereo / 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Digital
• Running Time: 105 Minutes
• Release Year: 2015

Carefully researched and prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.