House of Flying Daggers 2004

Action

Adventure

Drama

Fantasy

Romance

Box Office

$93M

Runtime

119 min

Language

Chinese

Directed by

Yimou Zhang

Made by

Sony Pictures Classics

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House of Flying Daggers Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for House of Flying Daggers (2004). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

In the year AD 859, during the decline of the Tang dynasty, various rebel factions emerged, with the most prominent being the House of Flying Daggers in Fengtian. This group fervently opposes the corrupt government, engaging in acts of rebellion that endear them to the local populace by robbing from the wealthy to aid the less fortunate. However, the government sends two police officers, Leo and Jin, on a daunting mission: to assassinate the leader of the Flying Daggers within a brief span of ten days, a task rendered nearly impossible due to the leader’s concealed identity.

In a cunning strategy, Leo apprehends Mei, a blind dancer believed to be the daughter of the previous leader. To carry out their plan, Jin poses as a sympathetic rebel, successfully orchestrating Mei’s escape from custody to win her confidence. Together, they embark on a journey toward the headquarters of the Flying Daggers, closely followed by Leo and his reinforcements. As they travel together, a tender romance blossoms between Jin and Mei, further complicating their mission.

To lend credibility to their ruse, Leo and his team orchestrate fake ambushes against Mei and Jin. However, their charade takes a dangerous turn when they are genuinely attacked by military forces. During a covert meeting, Leo reveals the unsettling news that the military is now involved and intent on eliminating both Jin and Mei.

Their perilous adventure continues when they become the targets of yet another attack in a bamboo forest, where, against all odds, the House of Flying Daggers comes to their rescue, escorting them to their stronghold. Shocking revelations unfold as it becomes clear that Mei has been pretending to be blind and is not who she claimed to be. In a twist, she is engaged to Leo, who is discovered to be a double agent working for the Flying Daggers. Rather than showing fear of the military, the rebels are eager for confrontation.

A devastated Leo confronts Mei, lamenting the three years he has spent undercover, questioning her ability to fall for Jin in such a brief period. Heartbroken, Leo’s jealousy ignites a clash, but Nia, their superior, intervenes, assigning Leo new duties and forcibly separating the trio. Mei is commanded to execute Jin but, in a moment of defiance, chooses to set him free, albeit initially rejecting the idea of escaping with him.

Later, as Mei reevaluates her feelings, she races after Jin only to be intercepted by Leo. In a shocking confrontation, he throws two daggers towards her; Mei bravely deflects one but ultimately succumbs to the other. As the two men engage in a fierce struggle, a fierce blizzard begins, signaling the approaching military forces.

With both men suffering from grave injuries, Leo prepares to deliver the final blow to Jin using Nia’s dagger. However, Mei emerges once more, Leo’s dagger embedded in her chest, ready to exact revenge on Leo. As Jin desperately urges Mei to focus on her own survival, the emotional tension escalates. In a twist of fate, Leo, pretending to throw his dagger, enacts a sacrifice that culminates in Mei taking the fatal hit intended for Jin.

In the poignant aftermath, Leo, burdened by guilt, stumbles away while Jin kneels by Mei’s side, mourning the profound loss of a unique love, singing a haunting elegy that celebrates her as a “rare beauty,” forever out of reach. The fate of the House against the military remains shrouded in uncertainty.

House of Flying Daggers Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of House of Flying Daggers (2004) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Rise of the House of Flying Daggers

In AD 859, amidst the decline of the Tang dynasty, various rebel factions emerge, with the House of Flying Daggers standing out prominently. This group gains popularity by robbing from the corrupt wealthy to provide for the less fortunate, garnering local support in Fengtian.

AD 859 Fengtian

Government's Counterattack

The corrupt government, recognizing the threat posed by the House of Flying Daggers, assigns two police officers, Leo and Jin, a nearly impossible mission. They are tasked with assassinating the leader of the rebel faction within ten days, despite the leader's concealed identity.

The Capture of Mei

Leo captures Mei, a blind dancer thought to be the daughter of the previous leader of the Flying Daggers. This strategic move serves to advance their mission, as Jin pretends to be a sympathetic rebel to win Mei's trust.

A Journey Begins

Together, Jin and Mei set out toward the Flying Daggers' headquarters, with Leo and his reinforcements closely following. As they travel, an unexpected romance develops between Jin and Mei, complicating their mission further.

Fake Ambushes and Real Danger

To maintain their guise, Leo orchestrates fake ambushes against Mei and Jin. However, their plans unravel when they are genuinely attacked by military forces, heightening the stakes of their perilous adventure.

Meeting in the Shadows

During a covert meeting, Leo discloses unsettling news about military involvement, revealing that they now aim to eliminate both Jin and Mei. This revelation compounds the tension as their journey unfolds under increasing danger.

Rescue in the Bamboo Forest

In a dramatic turn of events, the House of Flying Daggers comes to Jin and Mei's rescue amidst a fierce battle in a bamboo forest. This unexpected help leads them to the protection of the rebellious faction, offering a brief sense of safety.

Bamboo Forest

Revelations of Truth

As they settle into the stronghold, shocking revelations surface about Mei's true identity. It is uncovered that she has been masquerading as blind and is engaged to Leo, who is actually a double agent working for the House of Flying Daggers.

Confrontation and Heartbreak

Heartbroken, Leo confronts Mei, torn apart by jealousy as he reflects on the years spent undercover. Their emotional turmoil escalates into a fierce clash, creating conflict within their triangle of love and deception.

A Moment of Defiance

Commanded by Nia to execute Jin, Mei experiences a moment of defiance and chooses to set him free. Struggling with her feelings, she initially rejects the idea of escaping, showcasing her internal conflict.

A Race Against Time

Mei reevaluates her emotions and decides to chase after Jin, signifying her change of heart. However, she is intercepted by Leo, leading to a shocking confrontation that foreshadows tragedy.

Tragic Sacrifice

In a heart-wrenching moment, Leo throws daggers at Mei during their confrontation. Though she deflects one, she ultimately succumbs to the other, revealing the tragic cost of their entangled fates.

Final Confrontation

With both men gravely injured, Leo prepares to strike the final blow to Jin using Nia's dagger. However, Mei's unexpected return serves as a bitter twist, leading to her tragic sacrifice to protect Jin.

A Haunting Elegy

In the aftermath, Leo, riddled with guilt, stumbles away from the tragic scene. Meanwhile, Jin kneels by Mei's side, mourning her loss while singing a haunting elegy, forever cherishing the rare beauty he loved.

Uncertain Fates

As the military forces draw nearer, the fate of the House of Flying Daggers remains uncertain. With emotions running high and sacrifices made, the remaining members are left to confront the consequences of their choices.

House of Flying Daggers Characters

Explore all characters from House of Flying Daggers (2004). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Mei (Ziyi Zhang)

Mei is introduced as a blind dancer with a mysterious past, initially perceived as vulnerable but later revealed to be cunning and strategic. Her journey encapsulates themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery, as she grapples with her feelings for both Jin and Leo. Ultimately, her choices lead to tragic consequences, showcasing her strength in the face of adversity.

👩‍🎤 Dancer ❤️ Love Interest 🕊️ Rebel

Leo (Andy Lau)

Leo is a complex character operating as a double agent within the government, torn between duty and personal affection for Mei. His conflicting loyalties drive much of the film's emotional tension, revealing a man burdened by guilt and jealousy. Throughout the story, Leo's actions reflect the compromises made in the pursuit of love and the consequences of betrayal.

🔍 Spy 💔 Jealousy 🥀 Heartbreak

Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro)

Jin serves as a sympathetic rebel, strategically navigating the dangerous waters between love and mission. His romantic connection with Mei complicates his objectives, bringing forth themes of loyalty and sacrifice. Jin's determination to protect Mei, despite the chaos surrounding them, showcases his depth and the emotional stakes of their predicament.

✊ Rebel ❤️ Love Interest ⚔️ Warrior

House of Flying Daggers Settings

Learn where and when House of Flying Daggers (2004) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

AD 859

The year AD 859 marks a period of turmoil during the decline of the Tang dynasty, characterized by widespread dissatisfaction and the emergence of various rebel groups. This era is defined by political corruption, socioeconomic strife, and the struggle for justice by those willing to defy oppressive authority.

Location

Fengtian, Bamboo Forest

Fengtian is a city during the Tang dynasty, known for its vibrant culture and the rise of rebel factions like the House of Flying Daggers. The surrounding bamboo forest serves as a significant location for secret meetings and conflicts, embodying both beauty and danger amid the burgeoning rebellion.

🏯 Historic 🌳 Nature

House of Flying Daggers Themes

Discover the main themes in House of Flying Daggers (2004). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Love & Sacrifice

The theme of love intertwines with sacrifice as characters navigate complex relationships amid desperate situations. Mei's choice between loyalty and affection creates emotional turmoil, emphasizing the lengths one might go to protect loved ones. This theme reveals the heart-wrenching consequences of betrayal and devotion in a world rife with conflict.

⚔️

Rebellion

Rebellion is central to the narrative, highlighting the struggle against a corrupt government represented by the House of Flying Daggers. The film portrays the complexities of revolution, where noble intentions can lead to tragic outcomes. It questions the price of freedom and the moral ambiguities faced by those who fight against oppression.

🕵️‍♂️

Deception

Deception plays a crucial role as characters assume false identities and forge relationships based on lies. The intricate web of deceit challenges perceptions of trust and loyalty, ultimately shaping the characters’ fates. The ramifications of hidden truths and manipulative tactics underscore the dangers inherent in their quest for justice.

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