Awards and festivals

Film description

Ming dynasty is in decline, the government not only has to deal with aggressors from the north border but more importantly with the inner disintegration of the court, corruption and fight for power. Palace guard, Shen Lian, is once again caught up in a conspiracy when one of his fellow officers has to die, because of spreading dangerous rumors. Shen Lian is sent to find a mysterious rebeliant Bei Zhai, who is supposed to pose threat to the court. Main character soon finds out that the plot to undermine the authority of the emperor is not as simple as it may first appear...

Lu Yang carefully reconstructs the details of late XVIth century Chinese reality, each location, costume and prop helps to imagine everyday life of officials and counselors at the Ming emperor's court. Simultaneously "Brotherhood of Blades" narrative style is very contemporary, Shen Lian's multidimensional psychological portrait makes him highly relatable character, not so different from policemen and detectives that roamed the streets of megacities in so many classic Asian action films. Director successfully combines historical film with the suspense of chase scenes and astonishing martial arts scenes, maintaining a balance between visual attractions and nuanced plot.

Maja Korbecka