House of Flying Daggers
House of Flying Daggers Image
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Metascore
89 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 37 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 183 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Starring: Andy Lau, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Ziyi Zhang
  • Summary: The year is 859 AD, and China's once flourishing Tang Dynasty is in decline. Unrest is raging throughout the land, and the corrupt government is locked in battle with rebel armies that are forming in protest. The largest and most prestigious of these rebel groups is the House of Flying Daggers, which is growing ever more powerful under a mysterious new leader. (Sony Pictures Classics)… Expand
  • Director: Yimou Zhang
  • Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
  • Rating: PG-13
  • Runtime: 119 min
  • More Details and Credits »

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    Forget about the plot, the characters, the intrigue, which are all splendid in House of Flying Daggers, and focus just on the visuals.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    100
    It's as thrilling and lushly beautiful a movie as has been released all year, matched only by Zhang's epic "Hero." And I think this film is the more powerful.
  3. Empire
    Reviewed by: Dan Jolin
    80
    This is how action movies should be made.
  4. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Carla Meyer
    50
    Beautiful but hollow.

See all 37 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 96
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 96
  3. Negative: 16 out of 96
  1. PhillipR.
    10
    I am not a film buff and don't normally have much time for watching films, but this one just grabbed me and kept me enthralled. The twists and turns of the story are mesmerizing and the beauty of Mei is captivating. The depiction of the Martial Art fighting leaves you in awe, even if a little unbelievable. The closing scenes of fighting and death leave you emotionally drained. Fantastic… Expand
  2. bobbsyw
    8
    The final fight scene appeared a bit poorly cut-together and took the sheen off an otherwise excellent film. The visuals were truly astounding, and the "echo game" scene must be one of the most amazing pieces of choreography ever filmed.… Expand
  3. Gnarles
    7
    The first 90 minutes or so are simply great, but the climax eventually becomes almost unbearably silly - and the alarmingly fake CGI snowstorm doesn't help. Until that point, though, this is a beautiful and satisfyingly passionate movie, with some of the best fight scenes ever shot (especially the bamboo forest). Recommended, but don't be surprised if you find yourself laughing at the end.… Expand
  4. Shell
    4
    Story was weak, would have done better with filming a documentary on dagger throwing. 'Hero' is much better.

See all 96 User Reviews

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