# House of Flying Daggers

> 2004 film directed by Zhang Yimou

**Wikidata**: [Q369388](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q369388)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Flying_Daggers)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/house-of-flying-daggers

## Summary
*House of Flying Daggers* is a 2004 martial arts film directed by Zhang Yimou, renowned for its visually stunning cinematography, intricate fight choreography, and romantic narrative set in ancient China. The film is a landmark of the *wuxia* genre, blending action, romance, and drama, and is celebrated for its artistic direction and emotional depth.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: Premiered on January 1, 2004, with subsequent releases in various regions, including July 15, 2004, and January 6, 2005.
- **Director**: Zhang Yimou, a prominent Chinese filmmaker known for works like *Red Sorghum* and *Raise the Red Lantern*.
- **Genre**: *Wuxia* (martial arts), romance, drama, and action film.
- **Country of Origin**: Produced in the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong.
- **Language**: Primarily in Mandarin Chinese, with English subtitles for international releases.
- **Runtime**: Approximately 119 minutes.
- **Budget**: Estimated at $12 million USD.
- **Box Office**: Grossed over $96 million worldwide.
- **Awards**: Nominated for and won numerous international awards, including recognition at the Cannes Film Festival and BAFTA.
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.8/10.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 87% (critics), 89% (audience).
- **Metacritic Score**: 89/100.
- **Cinematography**: Notable for its use of vibrant colors, particularly in autumnal forest scenes.
- **Music**: Composed by Shigeru Umebayashi, featuring the iconic "Lovers" theme.
- **Cast**: Stars Andy Lau, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Zhang Ziyi.
- **Plot**: Set during the Tang Dynasty, the film follows a romance between a police captain and a member of the rebellious House of Flying Daggers.
- **Cultural Impact**: Reinvigorated global interest in *wuxia* films and Chinese cinema.
- **Legacy**: Considered one of Zhang Yimou’s masterpieces and a defining film of the 2000s martial arts genre.

## FAQs
**What is *House of Flying Daggers* about?**
*House of Flying Daggers* is a *wuxia* film set in 9th-century China, focusing on a love triangle between a police officer, a blind dancer, and a rebel leader. The story explores themes of loyalty, deception, and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of a secretive rebel group.

**Who directed *House of Flying Daggers*?**
The film was directed by Zhang Yimou, a celebrated Chinese filmmaker known for his visually striking films and contributions to the Fifth Generation of Chinese cinema.

**What makes *House of Flying Daggers* unique in the *wuxia* genre?**
The film stands out for its poetic visuals, particularly the use of autumnal colors and intricate fight scenes choreographed like dances. It blends romance and action seamlessly, creating a lyrical yet thrilling narrative.

**How did *House of Flying Daggers* perform at the box office?**
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $96 million worldwide against a $12 million budget, making it one of the highest-grossing *wuxia* films of its time.

**What awards did *House of Flying Daggers* win?**
The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language and the Cannes Film Festival’s Grand Prix.

**Who are the main actors in *House of Flying Daggers*?**
The film stars Andy Lau as Jin, Takeshi Kaneshiro as Leo, and Zhang Ziyi as Mei, delivering powerful performances that drive the emotional and action-packed narrative.

**What is the significance of the film’s cinematography?**
The cinematography, led by Zhao Xiaoding, is renowned for its use of color and light, particularly in the bamboo forest and autumnal scenes, which enhance the film’s romantic and tragic themes.

**How does *House of Flying Daggers* compare to other *wuxia* films?**
Unlike traditional *wuxia* films that focus solely on martial arts, *House of Flying Daggers* emphasizes romance and emotional depth, making it a more accessible and universally appealing film.

**What is the cultural impact of *House of Flying Daggers*?**
The film helped popularize *wuxia* cinema globally, influencing Western audiences and filmmakers. It also solidified Zhang Yimou’s reputation as a master of visual storytelling.

**Where can I watch *House of Flying Daggers*?**
The film is available on various streaming platforms and home video releases, including Sony Pictures’ official website and major digital retailers.

## Why It Matters
*House of Flying Daggers* is a pivotal film in the *wuxia* genre, bridging Eastern and Western cinematic traditions. Its success demonstrated the global appeal of Chinese martial arts films, paving the way for future international collaborations and recognition of Asian cinema. The film’s emphasis on romance and visual poetry, rather than just action, broadened the genre’s appeal, attracting audiences who might not typically engage with martial arts films. Additionally, its critical acclaim and commercial success highlighted the artistic potential of *wuxia* films, encouraging further investment in the genre. The film also showcased Zhang Yimou’s directorial prowess, reinforcing his status as one of China’s most influential filmmakers.

## Notable For
- **Visually Stunning Cinematography**: Renowned for its use of color and light, particularly in the autumnal forest scenes.
- **Innovative Fight Choreography**: Blends martial arts with dance-like movements, creating a unique visual spectacle.
- **Romantic Narrative**: A compelling love story that elevates the film beyond typical action fare.
- **Global Success**: One of the highest-grossing *wuxia* films, with over $96 million in worldwide box office earnings.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Nominated for and won numerous international awards, including BAFTA and Cannes recognition.
- **Cultural Bridge**: Helped popularize *wuxia* films in Western markets, broadening the genre’s appeal.
- **Iconic Music**: Features the memorable "Lovers" theme by Shigeru Umebayashi.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Features performances by Andy Lau, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Zhang Ziyi.
- **Historical Setting**: Set during the Tang Dynasty, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
- **Zhang Yimou’s Masterpiece**: Considered one of the director’s finest works, showcasing his signature visual style.

## Body
### Overview and Background
*House of Flying Daggers* is a 2004 *wuxia* film directed by Zhang Yimou, a prominent figure in Chinese cinema. The film is set during the Tang Dynasty and follows a complex love triangle involving a police officer, a blind dancer, and a rebel leader. It is celebrated for its blend of action, romance, and drama, making it a standout in the *wuxia* genre.

### Production and Release
The film was produced in the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong, with a budget of approximately $12 million. It premiered on January 1, 2004, and was released in various regions throughout the year, including a wide release in the United States on January 6, 2005. The film’s production involved meticulous attention to detail, particularly in its cinematography and fight choreography.

### Plot and Themes
The story revolves around Jin (Andy Lau), a police officer who infiltrates the House of Flying Daggers, a rebel group. He falls in love with Mei (Zhang Ziyi), a blind dancer who is also a member of the group. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, deception, and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and martial arts.

### Cinematography and Visual Style
The film’s cinematography, led by Zhao Xiaoding, is renowned for its use of vibrant colors and light. The autumnal forest scenes, in particular, are visually striking, with the changing leaves creating a poetic and romantic atmosphere. The fight scenes are choreographed like dances, blending martial arts with artistic movement.

### Music and Soundtrack
The film’s score was composed by Shigeru Umebayashi, featuring the iconic "Lovers" theme. The music enhances the emotional depth of the film, complementing its visual beauty and narrative complexity.

### Cast and Performances
The film stars Andy Lau as Jin, Takeshi Kaneshiro as Leo, and Zhang Ziyi as Mei. Their performances are central to the film’s emotional impact, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles. Zhang Ziyi’s portrayal of Mei, in particular, is widely praised for its vulnerability and strength.

### Reception and Awards
*House of Flying Daggers* received critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for its visuals, performances, and storytelling. It was nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language and the Cannes Film Festival’s Grand Prix. The film’s success at the box office, grossing over $96 million worldwide, further solidified its status as a landmark in the *wuxia* genre.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
The film played a significant role in popularizing *wuxia* cinema globally, attracting Western audiences and influencing filmmakers. Its blend of romance and action broadened the genre’s appeal, making it accessible to a wider audience. The film also reinforced Zhang Yimou’s reputation as a master of visual storytelling, contributing to his legacy as one of China’s most influential directors.

### Related Works and Influences
*House of Flying Daggers* is part of a broader tradition of *wuxia* films, which include works like *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* and *Hero*. The film’s success helped pave the way for future *wuxia* films and international collaborations, further cementing the genre’s place in global cinema.

### Technical Details and Trivia
- **Runtime**: 119 minutes.
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.8/10.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 87% (critics), 89% (audience).
- **Metacritic Score**: 89/100.
- **Budget**: $12 million.
- **Box Office**: Over $96 million worldwide.

### Availability and Viewing
The film is available on various streaming platforms and home video releases, including Sony Pictures’ official website and major digital retailers. Its availability has contributed to its enduring popularity and cultural impact.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film903258.html)
2. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/dom-latajacych-sztyletow)
3. europeanfilmawards.eu
4. [Source](http://www.metacritic.com/movie/house-of-flying-daggers)
5. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385004/)
6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385004/fullcredits)
7. [Love’s Little Ways and “The Road Home”. Patheos](https://www.patheos.com/blogs/summathissummathat/2011/04/loves-little-ways-and-the-road-home/)
8. The Movie Database
9. MusicBrainz
10. House of Flying Daggers. Rotten Tomatoes
11. [Source](http://www.kinokalender.com/film4802_house-of-the-flying-daggers.html)
12. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385004/releaseinfo/)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/2004.102.0.html)
15. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385004)
16. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385004/parentalguide)
17. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/house-of-flying-daggers/)
18. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
19. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=56871.html)
20. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
21. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/111612)
22. Online-Filmdatenbank
23. mymovies.it
24. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/7D7E-CA7F-4834-ABD9-03F9-G)
25. Danish Film Database
26. Trakt.tv
27. FilmVandaag.nl