The Assassin: Hsiao-Hsien Hou creates a film that is undeniably a visual wonder; each one of director of photography Ping Bin Lee’s frames is great to look at, and the production design of Wen-Ying Huang, as well as the costumes designed by Hwarng Wern-Ying are lush, colorful. The story, however, is slim and moves at a very ponderous, ceremonious pace. Qi Shu, as the central character, is a very strong and magnetic presence, but most of the acting is consistent with the very formal tone of the film.