The Emperor and the Assassin 1998
Chen Kaige's sweeping historical epic, *The Emperor and the Assassin (1998)*, transports viewers to ancient China on the brink of unification, where power, betrayal, and loyalty collide in a masterfully crafted drama.
Director: Chen Kaige
Cast
Gong Li
Lady Zhao
Zhang Fengyi
Jing Ke
Li Xuejian
Ying Zheng
Wang Zhiwen
Marquis Changxin
Sun Zhou
Prince Yan Dan
Chen Kaige
Lu Buwei
Pan Changjiang
Prison Official
Zhao Benshan
Gao Jianli
Ding Haifeng
Qin Wuyang
Zhou Xun
Blind Girl
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Emperor and the Assassin (1998) about?
Chen Kaige's historical drama follows the King of Qin's ruthless plot to overthrow rival kingdoms, using his concubine as a pawn to recruit an assassin. As his cruelty grows, her loyalty wavers, forcing her to confront the moral weight of her actions in a world ruled by deception.
Who directed The Emperor and the Assassin?
The Emperor and the Assassin was directed by Chen Kaige, the acclaimed filmmaker behind *Farewell My Concubine* and *Caught in the Web*.
Who stars in The Emperor and the Assassin?
The film features a powerhouse cast led by Gong Li as the concubine, Zhang Fengyi as the King of Qin, alongside Li Xuejian, Wang Zhiwen, and Sun Zhou.
Is The Emperor and the Assassin (1998) worth watching?
For fans of historical epics with deep psychological layers, *The Emperor and the Assassin* is a compelling watch. Its rich storytelling and striking visuals make it a standout in Chen Kaige's filmography, though its slow pacing may not appeal to all.
How long is The Emperor and the Assassin?
The Emperor and the Assassin has a runtime of 162 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Emperor and the Assassin (1998) — Epic Historical Drama with Gong Li
Chen Kaige's sweeping historical epic, *The Emperor and the Assassin (1998)*, transports viewers to ancient China on the brink of unification, where power, betrayal, and loyalty collide in a masterfully crafted drama. Set against a backdrop of intrigue and political scheming, the film follows the ruthless King of Qin as he orchestrates a daring plan to undermine his rivals—sending his own concubine to infiltrate and recruit an assassin from a rival kingdom. Yet as the king's tyranny escalates, so does her inner conflict, blurring the line between duty and defiance. With stunning cinematography and emotionally charged performances, Kaige explores the cost of ambition and the fragile nature of allegiance.
Gong Li delivers a standout portrayal as the torn concubine, while Zhang Fengyi embodies the cunning king with chilling intensity. Blending rich historical detail with personal drama, *The Emperor and the Assassin* is a gripping tale of manipulation and moral ambiguity, perfect for fans of sweeping epics and psychological depth.
