Ashes of Time
Seen it?1994 | 98 min | Drama, Action
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (78% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for action fans. If you loved Batman Begins, start here.
- The mood
- Exciting.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 38 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- It's in Cantonese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
Ouyang Feng is a heartbroken and cynical man who spends his days in the desert, connecting expert swordsmen with those seeking revenge and willing to pay for it. Throughout five seasons in exile, Ouyang spins tales of his clients' unrequited loves and unusual acts of bravery.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
78% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$3 million worldwide on a $5 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 59K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Wong Kar-wai
- Leslie Cheung Kwok-wingOuyang Feng / Western Venom
- Brigitte Lin Ching-hsiaMurong Yang / Murong Yin / Dugu Qiubai
- Tony Leung Ka-faiHuang Yaoshi / Eastern Heretic
- Carina LauPeach Blossom
- Tony Leung Chiu-waiBlind Swordsman
- Charlie Yeung Choi-neiGirl with Mule
- Jacky Cheung Hok-yauHong Qi / Northern Beggar
- Maggie Cheung Man-yukFeng's Sister-in-Law
- 白丽Hong Qi's wife