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Oh, how I love Wǔxiá (pronounced woo-shar) films. The kitelike fighting scenes, the vibrant colors, the melodramatic romance, and all those wonderful fabrics blowing in the wind. I believe this film has began playing in (very) select theaters stateside, but if you don't see it listed in a theater near you, you can always find yourself a copy on ebay.

Plot Summary: A new epic fantasy set in China's mythical past, The Promise is a visually stunning tale of passion that unfolds against a backdrop of war as a beautiful and mysterious princess becomes the object of affection for three very different men - a powerful Duke, a brave general and a lowly slave. As passions spark and egos clash, lives will be ruined and lovers spurned and no one will ever be the same.

The film is directed by Chen Kaige, winner of the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film for Farewell, My Concubine, The Promise was also nominated last year for a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film. Cinematography and production design are by Academy Award winners (for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) Peter Pau and Tom Yip.

View the trailer