The Assassin

Hsiao-hsien Hou directs this epic martial arts drama set during the Tang Dynasty. General's daughter Nie Yinniang (Qi Shu) is kidnapped by a nun who trains her in martial arts to become an assassin with the ability to take down corrupt local politicians. After failing in a task and displaying mercy, she is sent back to her home town to kill the man to whom she was promised, Tian Ji'an (Chen Chang), a cousin who leads the largest military region in North China.

Nie Yinniang must confront her parents and memories after 13 years of exile while struggling with the order of the nun - kill the man she loves or depart forever from the way of the assassins.