The Assassin

The Assassin is a 2015 martial arts film directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien. The film revolves around Nie Yinniang, a female assassin who refuses a mission to kill a man from her past, leading to conflict with the man who controls her.

• Shu Qi's role was specifically written for her by director Hou Hsiao-hsien.
• The film won Best Director at 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
• Shot primarily in China's Silver Pine Forest.
• The film is based on the ninth-century martial arts story 'Nie Yinniang'.
• It's Hou Hsiao-hsien's first wuxia film.

• She has the heart of a bird, she can never be tied down.
• The way of the sword is pitiless.
• To eliminate the beast, one must first tame the beast within.
• The world is full of chaos and confusion, I am at peace.
• I am not afraid to face my past, it’s the future that terrifies me.