The cast of "The Assassin" with director Hou Hsiao-hsien during the Cannes International Film Festival. (Photo : Reuters)
"The Assassin," one of the biggest movie projects of acclaimed Taiwan director Hou Hsiao-hsien, bagged the top jury prize for the 27th Palm Springs International Film Festival, best foreign language film category, China Radio International reported.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film was described as "an example of the martial arts genre which is elevated into the realm of art by its superb visual style."
The award was given on Saturday in California.
The award-winning film follows the story of Nie Yinniang, a daughter of a general in the Tang Dynasty, who is trained by a nun to become an assassin.
The lead actress, played by Chinese superstar Shu Qi, is tasked to kill a governor whom she was betrothed to when she was young.
The stellar cast of the film includes Chang Chen, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Ethan Juan, Hsieh Hsin-Ying and Fang-Yi Sheu.
"The Assassin" serves as Hou's first martial arts film and first feature-length film in a span of eight years. The movie grossed a total of 10 million yuan on the first day of its release in Chinese mainland cinemas back on Aug. 27 last year.
The film gave Hou a best director award at the 2015 edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, making him the second Taiwanese filmmaker to earn the recognition.
The Hou masterpiece received praises from film critics for its precise and well-crafted action and fighting scenes. Previously, the director revealed that he has always wanted to make a film that will veer away from the traditional kickfest-style martial art-themed movies.
"The Assassin" was Taiwan's entry for the Oscars under the category best foreign language film. However, it failed to be shortlisted in the final roster of competitors.
This year's Palm Springs International Film Festival featured more than 170 films from 60 countries and regions.
The event concluded on Jan. 11 with the American premiere of the Australian title, "Last Cab to Darwin."
