Written in May 2012 Wrote this as part of my independent study project on East Asian Cinema. WARNING: Possible spoilers for the films!

Clashing Swords: The War Between Nationalism and Commercialism in Zhang Yimou’s Wuxia Films

Wuxia, which roughly translates as “martial chivalry”, is a distinct genre in both Chinese literature and cinema. Typically, the heroes in Chinese wuxia fiction do not serve a lord or wield military power and are often from the lower social classes of ancient Chinese society. Usually they are bound by a code of chivalry that requires them to right wrongs, especially when the helpless or the poor are oppressed and are characterized by a flying fighting style. Along with international successes such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, director Zhang Yimou’s contributions to the wuxia genre, namely “Hero” and “House of Flying Daggers”, have ignited a strong interest worldwide. Continue reading PAPER: Clashing Swords →