European Premiere
A large scale, politically minded film, with breath taking action set pieces, 'Woman Knight of Mirror Lake' is just one example of the creative versatility of director Herman Yau. The biographical story of Qiu Jin, an anti-Qing Empire revolutionary, feminist and writer, who is today considered one of China's heroines.
The film follows the life of Jin from her youth, when she is appalled by the gender inequality in China, where girls had their feet bound and were at the mercy of their fathers and husbands. After marrying against her will and bearing two children, she abandons her family and resettles in Japan, where she pursues her political interests, only to return to China later on as a convinced revolutionary and begin the early stages of the anti-imperialist movement which will eventually bring the Dynasty to an end.
A strong message on gender equality infuses the film, which serves to compliment the unusual narrative structure. Herman Yau demonstrates his action credentials with one impressive action sequence after another, which never derails the serious tone of the film. 'Woman Knight' represents a fine example of contemporary Hong Kong action cinema, from one of Hong Kong's most consistent directors.