During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt on the king's life three years ago.
Cinematography
Christopher Doyle's color theory masterclass—each fight gets its own palette.
Direction
Zhang Yimou turns combat into calligraphy.
Production
That library scene alone probably bankrupted a small nation.
Director
Zhang Yimou
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Zhang Yimou waited two years for the perfect autumn leaves for the yellow forest duel scene.
The film sparked debate in China about whether it endorsed authoritarianism; government officials initially worried it was too critical of Qin Shi Huang.
CN
HK
