The Assassin
9th century China. Ten year old general’s daughter Nie Yinniang is abducted by a nun who initiates her into the martial arts, transforming her into an exceptional assassin charged with eliminating cruel and corrupt local governors. One day, having failed in a task, she is sent back by her mistress to the land of her birth, with orders to kill the man to whom she was promised – a cousin who now leads the largest military region in North China. After 13 years of exile, the young woman must confront her parents, her memories and her long-repressed feelings.
Director
Hou Hsiao-hsien
Writer
Chu Tien-wen, Hou Hsiao-hsien, A Cheng, Hsieh Hai-Meng
Cast
Shu Qi
Nie Yinniang
Chang Chen
Tian Ji'an
Nikki Hsieh
Concubine Huji
Sheu Fang-Yi
Jiaxin
Ethan Juan
Xia Jing
Xu Fan
The Nun
Zuo Xiaoqing
Taoist Nun
Satoshi Tsumabuki
The Mirror Polisher
Ni Dahong
Nie Feng
Shih Chun
Old Herb Picker
Zhou Yun
Lord Tian Ji'an's Wife
Mei Fang
Nie Feng's Mother
