WARRIORS OF HEAVEN & EARTH

Starring Nakai Kiichi, Jiang Wen, Wang Xueqi, Zhao Wei

Directed by He Ping

Made in China, 2003

 

The Tang dynasty's Emperor in the year 700 got his nights troubled by the barbarians even though they are far away from the gate -- yet this gate of the imperial realm could be anywhere, the dynasty got a grip on such a vast territory, including the keep-shifting frontierlines right against the Turkish and Japanese empires.		The Japanese samurai who is called 'Lai Xi' by the Chinese is actually a captive; only because of his skills the Emperor treats him well -- if being despatched on missions to behead rebels and bandits and deserters and such could be considered yummy. Perhaps it was, it's so early in history anyway.
Lai Xi thinks of homeland all the time. Actor Nakai Kiichi plays the role as good as he does any of his movies. Nakai isn't a typical actor to play a samurai, so, when he does, he spices it up in accordance to his own style.		But he is just given the last mission to catch Captain Li, a deserter from the Chinese Imperial Army. He's on top of the Tang dynasty's Wanted List. Jiang Wen can't really do much in this predeterminedly restrictive role -- whatever to do with it, it's still a cliche.
Zhao Wei doesn't do anything either except being mysteriously detached from Lai Xi, a buddy of her dad's, and attracted to Captain Li instead.		The captivating local warlord of the Turks, Lord An, is a king of his own town, and he bows to nobody. Wang Quexi plays this role perfectly.
Lai Xi's mom in Japan keeps asking when will he return. This adds to his loneliness that he, in true Japanese spirit, hides so deep that himself can't find it.		Every time Lai Xi is about to sail back home, the Emperor chances upon a new assignment for him. This time, though, he is told it's gonna be the last.
The Chinese Imperial Cops' Wanted Pic of Jiang Wen doesn't look like him; nonetheless it's effective. Out there the Captain Li has been a legend to the people once it was known that he rebelled against his own colonels because of the usual stuff: they wanted him to kill unarmed civilians after a war, consisting of women and kids. It's so dank cliche, but the people never watched Chinese movies of course.		Lai Xi gets another assignment: the girl's daddy asks him to take the daughter safely to the capital city -- on his way to slay the Captain Li, in which case he travels as the Imperial Envoy.
It is a matter of course to Lord An to try out every newcomer's swordsmanship once they enter his territory.		The Japanese impresses Lord An, even though this costs him some thugs who end up dead trying to assassinate the Imperial Envoy. Even during holidays and in sparetime Lai Xi kills criminals.
Lord An's town is characteristic of Chinese borderlines until deep into 19th century; generally dusty, smokey, and bustling with trade and brawls.		The zealous Buddhist monks have their own stories to tell, only they won't. Yet in time their fate intertwines with that of Captain Li, Lord An, and Lai Xi.

 

 

 

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