Summary
Two rival kingdoms plot and fight for ultimate victory.
My Thoughts
Shadow is the first (of hopefully many) foreign films I'll review, and I've gotta say this has set the bar pretty darn high. I've always loved foreign cinema, especially the Asian culture; it's so diverse and unique that one could spend years and years studying and still barely scratch the surface. The history is vast and rich, and the films of Asian cinema always bring that to light. There's something about the craftmanship of such films that just feels so much more visceral and rewarding as compared to most American movies. And with Shadow we find director Zhang Yimou (“Hero”, “The Great Wall”) at his truest form, giving us his most visually satisfying, narratively complex, and action packed movie to date.
I think my biggest mistake going into this film (like many films) was that I watched the trailer right before, and in that trailer it made it out to be a heavy action movie, non stop fights, pure chaos, and obviously that grabbed my attention. But upon actually viewing it, it's much more methodical than it is chaotic, and that definitely works for its benefit because when the action does happen, it has much more impact to the viewer as we've had over an hour to establish the setting and characters. Then the last 45 minutes is a frenzy of glorious martial arts action, I hope you like umbrella swords.
The film does have a slow start, building the world that we're in and the characters and what their motives are. It's a layered narrative that requires a good bit of attention, each character giving meaning to the scene. Although the pacing is a tad off, it's always an absorbing watch due to the gorgeous cinematography, from the sweeping landscapes to the dense foggy atmosphere this movie just looks phenomenal. I found myself wanting the biggest screen possible to watch such a spectacle. There's a scene when opposing soldiers use their umbrella swords and twirl their way down a cobblestone street all the while firing their crossbows at the enemy, it's bonkers but it's so stylish and inventive. I thought I'd seen it all by now, but Shadow only goes to show there's probably a lot more to see.
While the action is exciting and the cinematography is gorgeous, it's the slow burn narrative and intricate character development that really matter here. The director takes great care to build up the central core of this film, which is the characters and their ultimate path to victory, and demise. It spends the first hour slowly, but not unengaging, bringing our heroes and villains to life, the tensions rise and twists are revealed, each minute crescendos in intensity until finally the massive battle, and a truly remarkably choreographed duel between good and evil take place, and it is truly satisfying.
Overall Shadow is an exceptionally well made martial arts film, one that uses slow burn to a wonderful effect, never distancing itself from the viewer, but still able to build a strong hero and villain organically. Although there are a few pacing issues, like with the sudden shifts between the real and the shadow characters. The camera work is spectacular, China is such a vast country it's truly a privilege to see, even through a screen, these eerie unmarked landscapes, it only helps the heavy atmosphere this film provides. The action is satisfying and frantic, rewarding the audience for their patience. So if you're into foreign martial art films with a robust narrative, I strongly suggest “Shadow”.
I give Shadow 4.5 stars out of 5.
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