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Sony Pictures Classics Nabs "House of Flying Daggers"

By Rebecca Murray, About.com

Cannes, France, May 17, 2004 - Sony Pictures Classics today announced the acquisition of the North American rights to Zhang Yimou's "House of Flying Daggers." The epic action romance adventure is the latest from film master Zhang Yimou, the director of such films as the Academy-Award nominated "Raise the Red Lantern," "The Road Home," and the Academy-Award nominated "Hero." Starring Zhang Ziyi from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," Takeshi Kanishiro, Andy Lau, and produced by Bill Kong ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Hero"), the film, a story of love and betrayal with secret societies vying for the loyalty of the emperor, is currently screening as an Official Selection Out Of Competition at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

"House of Flying Daggers" is set in the year is 859AD as China's once flourishing Tang Dynasty is in decline. Unrest is raging throughout the land, and the corrupt government is locked in battle with rebel armies that are forming in protest. The largest, and most prestigious of these is the House of Flying Daggers, which is growing ever more powerful under a mysterious new leader. Two local captains, Leo (ANDY LAU TAK WAH) and Jin (TAKESHI KANESHIRO) are ordered to capture the new leader and the two hatch an elaborate plan. Captain Jin will pretend to be a lone warrior called Wind and rescue the beautiful, blind revolutionary Mei (ZHANG ZIYI), from prison, earning her trust and escorting her to the secret headquarters of the House of Flying Daggers. The plan works, but to their surprise, Jin and Mei fall deeply in love on their long journey to the House. Danger lurks in the forest surrounding them, and the wind is still, as if sensing the tension in the air. What lies ahead for Jin and Mei, these star-crossed lovers? If this is true love, then why are there plots in their heads, and secrets in their hearts?

A joint statement issued by Sony Pictures Classics: "This is our sixth film from a filmmaker regarded as one of the very best in the world. It is an honor and thrill for us to be working once again both with Zhang Yimou and our good friend, his producer, Bill Kong."

"House of Flying Daggers" is directed by Zhang Yimou, produced by Bill Kong and Zhang Weiping and stars Takeshi Kanishiro, Andy Lau and Zhang Ziyi.

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

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