Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Graphic
- propulsive
- patriotic
- melodramatic
- action movie night
- martial arts marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly recognized the film's polished historical action spectacle and strong cast while finding its execution uneven.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The protectors assemble to shield Sun Yat-Sen while risking their lives for the revolutionary cause.
Li Yutang, Professor Chen Xiaobai, Shum Chung Yang, Deng Sidi, and others form a coordinated protective group.
Sword fights, assassinations, and hand-to-hand battles are embedded directly in the struggle surrounding Sun Yat-Sen.
The plot unfolds in 1905 Hong Kong as Qing authorities and revolutionaries clash around Sun Yat-Sen's visit.
Films like Bodyguards and Assassins, and why
Ip Man
historical martial arts action, ensemble protectors, and patriotic sacrifice
The Warlords
period Chinese action drama combining political upheaval, martial arts combat, and personal sacrifice
Once Upon a Time in China
Hong Kong historical action spectacle centered on revolutionary ideals and collective resistance
Movie Details
- Director
- Teddy Chan Tak-Sam
- Release Date
- 2009-12-18
- Runtime
- 139 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (399)
Cast
- Wang Xueqi
- Tony Leung Ka-fai
- Hu Jun
- Donnie Yen
- Nicholas Tse Ting-Fung
- Edison Wang
- Leon Lai Ming
- Mengke Bateer
- Chris Lee Yuchun
- Simon Yam
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Shout! Factory Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Bodyguards and Assassins about?
- A determined Hong Kong ensemble wages a desperate martial-arts defense around Sun Yat-Sen as revolution and assassination collide in 1905.
- What is Bodyguards and Assassins like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Bodyguards and Assassins as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Bodyguards and Assassins violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Bodyguards and Assassins as graphic.
- What did critics think of Bodyguards and Assassins?
- Critics broadly recognized the film's polished historical action spectacle and strong cast while finding its execution uneven.
- Which films are like Bodyguards and Assassins?
- Films with a similar feel include Ip Man, The Warlords, and Once Upon a Time in China.
- How long is Bodyguards and Assassins?
- Bodyguards and Assassins runs 139 minutes.
- Where can I watch Bodyguards and Assassins?
- In United States, Bodyguards and Assassins streams on Shout! Factory Amazon Channel.
