The Assassin directed by Hou Hsiao- Hsien is a deeply transporting film that follows the journey of Nie Yinniang who has been trained to kill. When she was younger her family betrayed her and as a result she has been raised by a nun. The film which is set in seventh century China is a piece of beautiful cinema that uses techniques to show the astonishing views that the country has to offer which has a pro founding effect on you.
Yinniang is instructed 'that the way of the sword is without compassion' meaning that in order to kill she has to do this without emotional attachment. One of her duties includes returning to Northern China to kill its military governor who is corrupt. This causes conflict for her as she was once betrothed to the man that she is now expected to kill putting her in a situation that requires her to choose between her future and her past.
Starring: Shu Qi, Chang Chen