Shadow, directed by Yimou Zhang (Hero, House of Flying Daggers). It is a gorgeous film that almost qualifies for the thread on choosing two of the best black and white films (I’d go with Drama:cool:).
If you liked Hero and House of Flying Daggers, you will like this one a lot. The use of thematic colors, the twisty plot, the well choreographed and perfectly shot fight scenes are all there.
I don’t think the ending is ambiguous, but you might, so if you like things locked up tight, this one might disappoint.
You can interpret the bookend scene of Madam Commander at the door as open ended (she hasn’t decided what to say when she opens the door) or conclusive (the final expression on her face as she prepares to open the door indicates that she has decided to throw her lot in with the Shadow). I lean towards the latter.
Grade: 4 1/2 umbrellas