The Emperor and the Assassin Poster
Action
Adventure
Drama

The Emperor and the Assassin (1998) Review in 2025

6.5/10
Flop

The Emperor and the Assassin is a historical drama film that tells the story of a ruthless emperor who seeks to conquer all of China, but faces opposition from a loyal assassin.

2 hours 15 minutes
Mandarin (Dubbed: English)
Age group: 13-25, Interests: Action, Adventure, History
Director:
Ching-Po Wong
Budget: 5 million USD
Gross: 10 million USD

Family-Friendly Rating

Is this movie suitable for family viewing?

Not recommended for young children due to some violent scenes and mature themes.

CineReview Recommendation

This movie is worth watching for fans of historical dramas and action-adventure films, but it may not be suitable for young children due to some violent scenes and mature themes.

Spoiler Alert!

Hover to reveal spoiler summary

The film is set in the 3rd century BC and tells the story of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, who seeks to unify the warring states of China. However, he faces opposition from a loyal assassin named Bai Qi, who seeks to protect the people of China from the emperor's tyranny.

Review Details

story7.00/10

The story is engaging and well-researched, but it lacks a clear direction and pacing issues.

acting7.00/10

The acting is solid, with standout performances from Chow Yun-fat and Chang Chen.

characters6.00/10

The characters are well-developed, but some of them feel underutilized and lack depth.

direction5.00/10

The direction is uneven and lacks a clear vision, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience.

cinematography8.00/10

The cinematography is stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and impressive action sequences.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The film has stunning cinematography, impressive action sequences, and solid performances from the cast.

Cons

The story is uneven, the direction is lacking, and some characters feel underutilized.

Notable Quotes

"A true leader is not one who seeks power, but one who seeks to serve."
"The emperor's power is like a mountain, but his people's loyalty is like a river that can move mountains."

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