Hidden Blade underscores how popular World War II espionage thrillers remain. Its release in China helped fuel the largest box office performance since the pandemic. The Chinese film takes place shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the height of China’s war of resistance against Japan, a group of citizens form an underground network committed to stealing classified information from behind enemy lines.
Writer-director Er Cheng’s film does not look like other films in the genre. Using noir aesthetics, it often looks more like a hard boiled detective story. The use of lighting and shadows adds to the atmosphere. Hidden Blade never feels tonally confusing, however. There are intense action scenes along with moments that capture the chaos and destruction of war.
As with many espionage thrillers, Hidden Blade can get a little confusing. Almost every character is a spy – some of them are double agents- which means there are a lot of twists to keep up with. There are also a number of flashbacks that can make things even more difficult to follow. The script does a good job of keeping things straight for the most part, which enables the sense of unease to reach peak levels. The audience is never sure who can and cannot be trusted. There is a constant sense of danger for everyone who is involved.
At times, the non-linear storytelling hinders the pacing. This is most noticeable during some jarring transitions between high action and heavy melodrama. This type of zero to sixty progression can be very effective in the right circumstances, but does not really fit the story being told in Hidden Blade. That being said, there are some well shot action sequences.
Hidden Blade walks the line between art film and commercial extravaganza. The end result is a spectacle movie with a focus on story. Though director Er Cheng gets the tone right, there are some awkward moments. The great cinematography and engaging story more than make up for the occasional misstep, however.
Hidden Blade opens in theaters February 17
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