Bodyguards and Assassins
Bodyguards and Assassins
Directed by Teddy Chan
Hong Kong & China, 2009
Cornerhouse, 14 July 2010
While based around an actual visit to Hong Kong by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the Chinese revolutionary leader, about a century ago, few would claim this film was historically accurate.
In fact, it is really a classic ‘Us versus Them’ film. Those guys over there are assassins, and they are bad, and we’re bodyguards and are good. They’re trying to kill Dr. Sun, and to do that they will first have to kill us, and we want to kill them to remove any and all danger.
Such a simple premise, yet it leads to some spectacular kung-fu and sword-fighting sequences. Balletic, choreographed to perfection. It is all very exciting and even entertaining, as long as you realise that all that blood isn’t real.
The interesting aspect to this film, and quite a few others originating from China (such as City of Life and Death), is that they often carry a double meaning. They speak not only of actual historical events, but also of China’s hopes now and for the forthcoming century.
Explore posts in the same categories: Film reviewTags: Bodyguards and Assassins, China, Sun Yat-Sen, Teddy Chan
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