What does it take to become the first Emperor of China? Epic battles, political intrigue, classic swordsmanship, espionage, personal betrayals, tests of wills, moral corruption this movie has it all. "The Emperor and the Assassin" is the story of the first Emperor who unified China in the Third Century BCE through conquest and political manipulation.

The movie begins early during the Emperor's reign. Having conquered one kingdom, the Emperor begins to plan his conquest of the remaining kingdoms. But, if he attacks one kingdom without cause, the other will come to its defense, and he cannot fight both at once. With his mistress, Lady Yi, he devises a plan to lure one kingdom into sending an assassin to kill him. The movie follows its three principal characters - Emperor, Lady Yi, and the assassin - as the Emperor's plan unfolds with unanticipated consequences.

At the outset, the Emperor claims that he seeks to unify China to bring an end of the warring between China's states. The Emperor leads by example and through display of his personal courage and integrity. As the movie develops, and as the bodies pile up, the Emperor becomes increasingly ruthless.

From a gaming perspective, the movie fills the screen with the more epic battles and sieges than you've seen since Braveheart or Ran, and there is plenty of court intrigue to fuel ideas for a fantasy campaign and with a distinctive cultural presentation that will free you from any Tolkien, Melebonean, or pseudo-Arthurian rut that you may be stuck in.

"The Emperor and the Assassin" is currently in limited release. Go see it on the big screen.

Style: 5 (Excellent!)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)