Hidden Blade – A Brilliant Neo Noir Spy Thriller (Early Review)

The third installment to Bona Film Group’s China Victory Trilogy, Hidden Blade is a film that slightly differs from the previous two entries. Toning down its propaganda in favor of a bleak but stylized neo noir flick. That being said, the film is nevertheless a spectacle. It relishes in its gorgeous visuals and powerful performances, all while telling an intricate and intriguing mystery. Though the film may not be for everyone, it is an incredibly strong one. Set after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, it follows the story of underground workers who risked their lives to send intelligence and protect the motherland.

Right away, the look of Hidden Blade is striking. Its stunning cinematography immerses audiences into its aesthetic and style. Chang’s choice to linger in each scene, adds tension and a foreboding atmosphere that only enhances that aesthetic. Meanwhile, its brilliant production design adds to the film’s authenticity in creating an early 20th century world. However, the most compelling part of the film by far, are the sensational performances from the cast across the board, lead by the legendary Leung who is always, brilliant and Yibo who sbsolutely steals the show. Both thrive in a series of intense one-on-one scenes which resulted in many of the most exciting moments of the film. The supporting cast is just as great, with Dong Chengpeng, Eric Wang and Lei Huang delivering fantastic performances though aren’t allowed to shine as brightly as Leung and Yibo. Though a mostly male dominated film, Zhou Xun and Jiang Shuying give it a shot in the arm as femme fatales and victims.

Beyond its great characters, Hidden Blade is sadly fairly forgettable in that regard. In spite of this, where the film truly prevails is how Cheng never truly presents a character as either a protagonist or an antagonist. Even while dramatizing the events of Pearl Harbor, he never portrays the Japanese as ruthless aggressors nor the Chinese as victims, opting for a more cerebral approach by engaging audiences as it dives into the psyche of its characters. The film’s aforementioned sensational performances go a long way in adding depth to its characters and makes them bearable though not really memorable.

The neo noir mystery story will hook audiences instantly. Full of spies, the film creates an air of uncertainty throughout as audiences are left wondering about the true allegiances of the characters. Whilst most the characters are fairly forgettable, that questions and that uncertainty at least keeps things interesting as audiences will be left on the edge of their seats while attempting to decipher what is true and what is not as the film kept its cards close to the chest. One of its downfalls, however, is how its story plays out as it jumps back and forth in time over the course of the film. This decision only sparks confusion, as it doesn’t follow a linear path therefore it is sometimes tough to keep track of everything going on as the story jumps around.

At the end of the day, Hidden Blade is a brilliant espionage thriller boasting a phenomenal neo noir aesthetic. Its performances are jaw dropping and its foreboding and bleak atmosphere only elevate its style. While the characters are fairly forgettable, it’s their complexities that are sure to keep audiences hooked. Story-wise, the film is engaging yet its abundance of time jumps makes the story as a whole a little confusing. It is definitely one of the first big surprises of 2023 and is certainly one deserving attention.

*still courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment*

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Olly Dyche

Journalist, Writer, Film Critic and Professional Nerd. You will probably find Olly at the cinema chomping down on some popcorn and taking in the glorious visuals of the latest theatrical release.