The People’s Republic of China has released a new historical action film, "Assassin," also known as "Assassination: 1932," which premiered on the streaming platform iQiyi in August. The film has since expanded its reach, being shown in Spain, India, and Russia, among other international markets. Clocking in at a brisk 90 minutes, "Assassin" aims to deliver a potent dose of historical drama and high-octane action, set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1930s China.
A Shanghai Nightclub Unveils a Conspiracy
The film immediately immerses viewers in a visually arresting ten-minute action sequence set within a Shanghai nightclub in 1932. This opulent establishment, primarily frequented by Japanese officers enjoying the city’s nightlife, also serves as a meeting point for Chinese collaborators. It is here that the narrative introduces a pivotal character: a burglary specialist from northeastern China, belonging to the Korean minority, whose skills and presence will later prove crucial. This role is expertly portrayed by Elton Tang Haoyuan, an actor recognized for his contributions to the streaming film sector. The ensemble cast is led by Wang Ming, who embodies Zhang Mubai, the determined leader of a four-member resistance group. This clandestine unit, self-styled as the "Traitor Elimination Squad," includes a formidable Chinese-Korean woman, Xiaoqiu, brought to life by Cheng Qi, renowned for her exceptional combat prowess.
The squad, utilizing a series of ingenious disguises, successfully infiltrates the bustling nightclub. Unbeknownst to them, the venue also hosts Hu Baye, one of Shanghai’s most influential gangsters, engaged in sensitive negotiations with a Japanese officer. The presence of Hu Baye is particularly significant as he is portrayed by Ray Lui, a veteran actor with an extensive filmography of over 140 films, including a celebrated lead role in the 1991 gangster classic "To Be Number One." The resistance fighters’ disruptive presence culminates in a violent confrontation, resulting in significant casualties among the Japanese patrons. This display of defiance deeply impresses Hu Baye, who harbors his own ambitions to resist the Japanese occupation. His strategic vision involves uniting various criminal syndicates, including the historically documented "Axe Gang," to bolster his anti-Japanese efforts.
The Hunt for a High-Ranking Strategist
Through a network of informants, Hu Baye learns of a crucial intelligence: a ship carrying high-ranking Japanese officer Kurokawa, the Imperial Army’s chief strategist, is en route to Shanghai. Kurokawa’s presence in the city is for his daughter’s wedding, presenting a prime opportunity for the resistance. Both Hu Baye and Zhang Mubai’s group recognize this as a pivotal moment to eliminate the officer, a move that could significantly cripple the Japanese military operations in the region. To facilitate their infiltration of the ship, Xiaoqiu and the unnamed thief character assume the identities of a Korean couple invited to the wedding festivities.
Upon boarding the vessel, the group witnesses firsthand the discriminatory treatment of Chinese personnel by the Japanese, which further fuels their resolve and anger. As they meticulously prepare their assault on Kurokawa, the plan encounters unforeseen complications, leaving the audience anticipating a climactic and intense showdown.
Directorial Vision and Narrative Strengths
Director Zhou Jiuqin, a seasoned filmmaker with a background in streaming productions, demonstrates a bold and energetic approach in "Assassin." The film’s narrative, bolstered by the compelling performances of its cast, stands as its primary strength. The storyline is deemed genuinely engaging, and the action sequences are characterized by a visceral intensity and graphic violence, seemingly inspired by the stylistic flair of directors like John Woo. However, the article notes that a perceived budgetary constraint may have impacted the execution of some action choreography, resulting in sequences that are described as "cheap" and "sparse" when a more grandiose visual spectacle might have been more fitting. This limitation is seen as a missed opportunity, as the film’s subject matter and inherent potential arguably warranted a more lavish production. Despite this, the film is acknowledged as technically sound with competent production design.
Critiques Regarding Character Portrayal and Thematic Concerns
A more significant and arguably "unbearable" criticism leveled against the film pertains to the portrayal of Cheng Qi’s character, Xiaoqiu. Despite being the sole noteworthy female role, she is often depicted in revealing attire without clear narrative justification, and her scenes are filmed in a manner deemed gratuitously "sexy." Her dialogue is minimal, comprising only a few substantive lines. The film’s plot device of the thief falling in love with her leads to several uncomfortable and sexualized situations that are described as more embarrassing than necessary. Furthermore, the film’s implied depiction of gang rape by Japanese soldiers is highlighted as a particularly inappropriate and problematic element.
Broader Implications and Patriotic Undertones
In light of the current geopolitical climate, marked by heightened tensions between the People’s Republic of China and Japan, "Assassin" can be seen as indicative of a potential trend towards more nationalistic cinematic productions. The film is replete with patriotic messaging. Demonstrations within the narrative call for an end to the civil war between the Nationalist Kuomintang and the Communist Party, urging a unified front against the Japanese aggressor. The portrayal of the Japanese military as sadistic murderers and rapists is explicitly and unflinchingly depicted. For viewers who are not deterred by this overt nationalistic sentiment and the explicit depiction of brutality, "Assassin" offers an action film that, at least on a superficial level, achieves its objectives. The film’s narrative and themes resonate with historical accounts of the period, such as the widespread resistance efforts against the Japanese invasion and occupation, which began in earnest in the 1930s and escalated into the Second Sino-Japanese War. The historical context of the "Traitor Elimination Squad" reflects the fragmented but determined resistance movements that operated within China during this era, often comprising individuals from various ethnic backgrounds united by a common enemy. The film’s depiction of the "Axe Gang," while potentially anachronistic in its specific context within the film’s plot, alludes to the presence of powerful criminal organizations that played complex roles during periods of political instability and foreign occupation in China.
The film’s release and its thematic content also warrant consideration within the broader context of China’s contemporary soft power initiatives and its historical narrative construction. By emphasizing themes of national unity, resistance against foreign aggression, and the valorization of historical figures who fought against occupation, "Assassin" aligns with narratives that promote national pride and a strong sense of historical identity. The explicit portrayal of Japanese atrocities, while drawing on historical events, also serves to reinforce a particular historical perspective and can be interpreted as a deliberate artistic choice to evoke a strong emotional response from the audience. The film’s international distribution suggests an effort to project this narrative beyond China’s borders, potentially influencing international perceptions of Sino-Japanese historical relations. The engagement of actors like Ray Lui, a figure deeply associated with Hong Kong’s cinematic heritage, also points to an attempt to bridge different cinematic traditions within the Chinese-speaking world and leverage established star power for broader appeal. The film’s critical reception, particularly the noted disparity between its ambitious narrative and the execution of its action sequences, highlights the challenges faced by filmmakers working within specific production constraints while aiming for a global audience. The controversial elements, such as the sexualization of a female character and the implied depiction of sexual violence, underscore ongoing debates within the film industry and society at large regarding responsible representation and the ethical boundaries of storytelling, especially when dealing with sensitive historical subjects.
