House of Flying Daggers--Are they nuts?

Cafe Society
1

In the movie “House of Flying Daggers,” the two officers of local police discuss strategy while they eat. It appears they are eating some kind of nut, opening the shells and stacking nuts and shells in two piles. They are also sipping some clear liquid.

I know it’s silly, but I’ve wondered since I first saw that scene if they are eating Pistachio nuts and if the drink is rice wine. I’ve looked online for an answer but I haven’t found one. If so, would this be a snack to go with the drink, or is it a meal? If not, what on earth are they eating and drinking?

Anybody have the answer or an educated guess?

Bonus points: film critic Roger Ebert describes the plate of objects tossed by the police captain during the dancing game with the drums as “nuts.” I think they are beans of some kind, but might be polished stones. Anyone know?

2

Since this is a question about food in a movie, it may be better for Cafe Society.

Colibri
General Questions Moderator

3

I haven’t seen the movie in forever, and don’t remember that scene, but I suspect they’re lychee.

As to the drink…from the description, either rice wine or water seem the only possibilities…

4

I can’t see the nuts in the Cop scene, but the pattern of opening the shells makes me think they are pistachios as well.

I haven’t ever seen anything but sake served in that vessel in the middle in my travels. If it is sake, I wonder why the cops are drinking on the job…

The “Nuts” in the dancing game look like dried beans to me (11:03 mark), as they seem to be a uniform size.

5

Thanks for the responses. Never heard of Lychee nuts and I’m doing my homework. Interesting. I think the drink must be rice wine rather than water, as the vessel looks “specialized” to me, too. I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks he sees Pistachios (as opposed to walnuts or something). Yes, beans are the most likely drum thrumpers to my eye, too. I love this movie.

Mod: Thanks for moving this to an appropriate venue. I do have trouble with category sometimes.

6

:cool: I find it hilarious that watched this movie, and ratrher than barge in screaming about its rank stupidity, you asked a question about the food in an early scene.

7

I haven’t seen it in a while, but is there a possibility that they’re soybeans? I can’t remember the fancy term for them when they’re eaten that way…ah, edamame. Perhaps?