[psycho d]

The Emperor and the Assassin (1998). History, but for those who like to learn from movies, this epic flick is a monumental endeavor that chronicles a feudal Chinese king's efforts and desires to unify a country. It has all the usual suspects: betrayal, intrigue, love, nobility, ambition, redemption, and revelation, and manages to fit them all into a splendid account of the determination to create a Qin dynasty.

The acting was marvelous. What might at first be thought of as unsightly histrionics were actually the proper codes of courtly conduct. The king's antics are showy more for historical context than for show itself. The smarmy smile of the marquis was almost of Shakespearean quality, ambiguity that belied his potential intrigues.

The direction was epic, with scenes that literally employed thousands of human bodies, it is simply astonishing that any coordination could be exacted, let alone that which was achieved. The camera work was more than competent, giving rise to considerable scenes but not reminding us of his presence.

The biggest gripe of this movie, and rightfully so, was the editing. Defenders claim that the fast edits were necessary for effect. I have no problem with fast edits, but good editing is not to be noticed unless it is genuinely clever. Given that, the occasionally flubbed editing was not enough to detract from the splendor of this incredible take on a Chinese story that has been told over and over again, and in this case with an enjoyable style that makes its 160 minute run-time seem almost short.
d