I dunno if this mix sense but when an art film is also entertaining at the same time, it means it is a great film. I was so wowed by the visual design. The dark muted tones and the story telling and character development. I don't know if the umbrella holds greater symbolism. Like the Hong Kong movement. I actually Googled to read more about this film after watching it. It was that good. Kept me thinking.
U can be sure to see quality as long as u know it's a Zhang Yi Mou film. Solid martial arts, good story, good casts etc. Husband & wife actors cast as main characters showed even more in indepth emotions in this film. Must watch!
Haha Watched too much Running Man(China), see Deng Chao and Zheng Kai, I just wanna laugh. Ok serious note, this film portrays a political, pugilistic, war, historical film in the typical Zhang Yimou's artistic way. Decent and nice plot to keep it going, artistic though rather bloody actions choreography. It's a heavy storyline, and...generally all actors speak very slowly...visuals are mostly mono-chrome, so I'm thinking youngsters may not like it much. Deng Zhao's acting is superb. He and his wife are a lovely couple(off screen) , just saying.
Shadow is absolutely beautiful. The costume and set designs were at its finest. The almost dark to monotonous tone of the film really embodied the message of the film well. The thematic elements of this film is also excellently represented. The characters were well developed. The action sequences were nicely choreographed. The story is a really refreshing take on political drama, almost a lesser Eastern version of Game of Thrones.
Visual treat for the eyes although most of it was in b&w/greyscale! Absence of color is even harder to manipulate light and ambience. very artistic indeed....costumes were such a treat also! Plot twist and plenty of a-ha moments but patience required as first half is all about build-up!
