Geekery: Zhang Yimou’s Martial Arts Epic ‘Shadow’ Is Coming to the US

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Apr 22 2019

Zhang Yimou is the creative force behind wuxia action classics Hero and House of Flying Daggers. His latest is in a beautifully muted color palette that’s spattered with the blood of the defeated.

Wuxia is traditionally a form of fantasy literature in China that tells stories of martial artists that has been translated to films like One-armed Swordsman, Dragon Inn, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. This new tale of royal intrigue fits right in…

In a kingdom ruled by a young and unpredictable king (Ryan Zheng), the military commander (Deng Chao) has a secret weapon: a “shadow”, a look-alike who can fool both his enemies and the King himself. Now he must use this weapon in an intricate plan that will lead his people to victory in a war that the King does not want.

It was shown at Fantastic Fest last year and came out with glowing reviews – including several mentions that the action scenes are gorgeous – and currently holds a 92% RT score. It’s getting a limited release in the US next month, so if you want to see it on the big screen I’d suggest signing up to get a reminder to snag your ticket here.

Shadow arrives in theaters May 3rd and Blu-ray and DVD on 13 August.

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Author: Mars Garrett

Pop culture writer and news editor that has been on the BoLS team since 2010. Contributor on the One of Us podcast. Marvel, Vertigo, Batman, and dystopian sci-fi fan. Enjoys bad movies, amazing stunt performances, and the internet. Hates rom-coms. (she/they)

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