Shadow (2018)

A written intro tells of how two Kingdoms, Pei and Yang, joined forces to defeat a powerful third, and peacetime followed. But for some in the Kingdom of Pei the loss of their beloved Jing City is too much to bear - one such warrior orchestrates an elaborate plan from his cave to reclaim the lost territory.
It’s as beautiful as Dir. Yimou's previous period films, but in Shadow he paints with tones of grey, inspired by ancient Chinese ink art, with colour reserved mostly for skin tones and blood. The latter respects the cinematographer's dedication, too; it’s suitably red but mercifully not Hollywood super-red.
Establishing the political standings and cowardly and/or resentful attitudes of the main players makes much of the first two acts feel needlessly drawn-out, but the Shakespearean drama in the closing third helps to balance it out.

3 feminine moves out of 5