Shadow Review

Writer/director Zhang Yimou’s new film Shadow is deeply layered, a Shakespearean story complimented by brilliantly choreographed wuxia action set pieces. The films boundless imagination and gorgeous environment creates a gothic fictional spectacle that is rich in dread. There is such a large scope to the narrative of Shadow that Zhang Yimou’s ability to keep much of it enthralling is only one of the many achievements that he accomplishes with his newest film.

Duality and the balance between yin and yang are crucial themes in Shadow. Not only does the symbol itself feature on the floor of a recurring location, but it is also the most prominent influence on the film’s aesthetic. Cinematographer Xiaoding Zhao casts aside the colourful and effervescent styles he is known for in order to create an incredibly arresting world commanded by grays, whites and blacks, with only the flesh and blood of its characters being the exception. Few visionary directors can effortlessly blend narrative themes into stylistic ones as well as Zhang Yimou, Shadow continues to be proof of that.

Zhang Yimou is no stranger to lavish visuals and vast plots, despite a rare misstep with his last film, 2017’s bizarre action movie The Great Wall, Yimou is acclaimed for his unique creativity, world building and elaborate floating swordplay. With Shadow, Yimou returns gracefully back into form, this time spending less time on gravity defying martial arts in order to flesh out each characters personal and political motives.

Based on The Romance of the Three Kingdoms saga of Chinese legend, Shadow follows the commanding leaders of the Kingdom of Pei, who are on the verge of war with a neighbouring kingdom for the city of Jingzhou. While the king tries to resolve issues without war, an ailing yet brilliant general of Pei named Yu secretly devises an incredibly intricate and risky plan in order to take the everything for himself.

Yimou’s wonderful directing flows mesmerizingly, giving each scene a marvelous energy and depth. Though Shadow especially stands out in its staggeringly immersive sound design, blades clang and clatter vibrantly while rain bombards its world. The immaculate detail of Shadow creates a gripping spectacle that is constantly enchanting and inventive.

However, Shadow sometimes falters during its slow first act. Although many of these scenes are needed in order to make Yimou’s ambitious plot make sense, much of the dialogue is not handled as gracefully as the films action, with many characters having exposition filled rants about their goals and morals for no true reason.

The slow first act of Shadow sets the pieces up for an invigorating second half that rewards viewers with unique action and astounding visuals. Culminating in a striking technical feat drenched in a bold originality.

Despite a first act hurdle, the brilliant choreography and stunning visuals propel Shadow to a gorgeous and highly entertaining wuxia epic.

Produced By: Well Go USA Entertainment
Runtime: 116 minutes
Rating: R