Shadow (4K Ultra-HD + Blu-ray) [2019] [Region Free]

Zhang Yimou returns to what he does best. This is very much the successor to the 2006 film “The Curse of the Golden Flower”. Whereas the previous film was a mass of saturated colours, this film is virtually monochrome save for people’s skin tones. It is fascinating to watch this de-saturated film after his previous films in which colour was such an important factor. Yet it is a vital ingredient here in creating the appropriate atmosphere and works well in a landscape drenched in perennial rain. Like his previous films this one looks fantastic with stunning photography. It also benefits from a terrific score that avoids a western orchestra’s interpretation of oriental music.The story is a bit of a slow burner during its first half but always fascinating. The second half delivers the goods in a sometimes blood-soaked sequence of events, albeit with the blood looking black! Don't expect realism as the film goes into the realms of fantasy for its stunning action sequences. The plot twists as it goes, drawing the viewer closer into the intrigue. I thought it had a terrific ending.No great praise for Universal’s release though. Whilst the transfer is fine, the opening credits and subsequent sub-titles are far too quick. I’m not a slow reader but I had barely time to read them before they disappeared, making it harder to digest what was going on. There was not a single extra on the disc. So a thumbs down to Universal for treating this film so badly and a star deducted from my score.

Shadow is a 2018 Chinese wuxia film. It was directed by Zhang Yimou, most famous for the Jet Li film Hero and the epic love story, The House of Flying Daggers. The film is about a power struggle between the highly respectable Commander Ziyu (Deng Chao) and the unlikeable but highly charismatic king, Pei (Zheng Kai). It's a heavily stylised movie, focused more on visual appearance than the high flying action we've come to expect from this sort of film.That visual style is quite frankly one of the most beautiful things I have seen from Chinese cinema. There's very little colour in the film, focusing heavily on blacks and whites. It creates a very unique look that just looks incredible in high definition. There are instances of colour here and there, but it's very few and far between. The only consistent colour being the characters' skin. The design of the sets, outfits and environments lends to this artistic choice. There's a lot of detail that I think would have gone a miss had it been extremely colourful, as Chinese films tend to be. It lets us see lots of beautiful details in everything from the armour to the calligraphy hanging from the roof.As far as the story and acting goes. It's a very well made movie and the actors played their parts wonderfully. You believe every emotion, you want to see them succeed in their goals and keeps the movie flowing, especially for such an action-less movie. It's definitely a film that you can lose track of if you're one of those people who like to get stuck into their phone. There's some nice twists and turns here, making for a good interesting story. The action scenes that are in the film are all very good. The weapons all look unique and it makes these moments very memorable, even if they're a bit short compared to the dialogue scenes.If you're on the fence about this movie, I would highly recommend it. That is unless you're wanting an action heavy movie. This is a story focused movie and it could disappoint if you're expecting otherwise. The standard bluray looks beautiful and the 4k looks incredible. It's well worth picking up for fans of the director or this genre of film making.

I love the past films of the Director but this lifeless colourless effort was like watching paint dry in a cold room. I don’t get the great reviews, only colour is to be found mostly on faces, the action is sparse and not convincing. Sorry, a dead loss.

My overall rating for Shadow is top marks - one of the greatest directors in Asian Cinema. But my biggest complaint is with Universal Pictures, who released this DVD. Come on Universal - a big major company, like yourselves, releasing a 'prime title' like this with absolutely NO EXTRAS. There is not even a language or subtitle selection. Fortunately, the English subtitles are burned in - hopeless for any other language speaking viewer.But we have another gorgeous offering from the immaculate Zimou.

Majestic FIlm about the tragedy of leadership and the struggle for power in a mirky world. Superb costumes and sets. Mirky characters with unsaid motivations provide as many questions as answers.

A Stylish film in a Superb Black and White gowns through out, which adds to the atmosphere of the film, Magnificent scenery and a great storyline. Loved it.

Well acted and beautiful cinematography. Movie is in mostly greys but it's so well filmed it's absolutely beautiful to look at. The actors did a really good job and even though only a few fight scenes they are well choreographed. A must but if your a fan of Chinese cinema.

Very nice use of a darker palette really enjoyed its absence of colour