magine a world where elite assassins are pawns in a shadowy game of power, betrayal, and ancient secrets. Song of the Assassins (2022), directed by Daniel Lee (Black Mask, 14 Blades), is a steampunk-wuxia hybrid that blends breathtaking action, intricate conspiracies, and a labyrinthine plot. Released in May 2022, the film stars Shaofeng Feng as Qi Jun Yuan, a young assassin entangled in a web of deception after his first mission goes horribly wrong. But does its stunning visuals and high-octane action outweigh its overly complex and sometimes confusing narrative?

The Plot: A Mission Gone Wrong

Qi Jun Yuan, a promising young assassin from the secretive Lihen Valley guild, is sent on his first mission. But when he fails to complete it, he becomes a fugitive—hunted by the government, rival assassins, and shadowy figures pulling the strings from the darkness. As he fights to survive, he uncovers a decades-old conspiracy involving a coveted map of ancestral treasures, betrayal, and a power struggle that threatens to consume everyone involved.

The story is dense and twisty, with multiple factions, double-crosses, and shifting alliances. While the plot’s complexity adds depth, it also risks losing viewers who aren’t fully invested in keeping up with its many moving parts.

Why Song of the Assassins Divides Audiences

• Spectacular Action Choreography – The film’s fight scenes are its strongest asset. Daniel Lee’s experience in wuxia shines through, delivering fluid, inventive, and visually striking combat. The action is crisp and well-staged, with a mix of swordplay, acrobatics, and steampunk flair that sets it apart from typical martial arts films.
• A Star-Studded Cast – Shaofeng Feng leads as the young assassin, but the film also features veteran actors like Kenneth Tsang, Ray Lui, and Hu Jun, who bring gravitas and depth to their roles. The chemistry among the cast helps ground the film’s more outlandish elements.
• Gorgeous Visuals – The film’s production design and cinematography are top-notch. The blend of steampunk aesthetics and traditional wuxia creates a unique, immersive world. The costumes, sets, and special effects (though occasionally heavy-handed) contribute to the film’s epic, larger-than-life feel.
• A Plot That’s Hard to Follow – The story’s intricate web of conspiracies and betrayals can be overwhelming. Some viewers may find themselves lost in the maze of characters and subplots, especially as the film introduces new twists and factions without much warning. The final act’s exposition dump attempts to tie everything together, but it may leave some audiences more confused than satisfied.