The Assassin

The plot of Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s The Assassin is hard to follow, but it doesn’t matter. The experience is slow and splendid. The cinematography is stunning and Mr. Hou makes damn sure that you are not missing a frame of it. As for the title character, Shu Qi’s cold beauty and virtuosity in martial art make her irresistible. A visual masterpiece.