Filmmaker Zhang Yimou returns to U.S. theaters with the film “Cliff Walkers.” Set in the 1930s, ‘Walkers’ introduces viewers to a new perspective on espionage thrillers. It’s also a departure for an acclaimed director whose filmography includes the wuxia action hits “Hero,” “House of Flying Daggers,” “The Flowers of War” with Christian Bale, and the Matt Damon-led “The Great Wall.” The script hails from Quan Yongxian, the newcomer to cinematic credits, builds off his previous series work to craft this dramatic entry into the espionage and spy genre.
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The film explores trust issues and how dangerous it can be to place blind faith in a person, place, or ideal. When plans go far from the expected, what’s left depends on a select few’s keen abilities. While the story may be set in the ‘30s, the themes of assurance and survival linger in today’s world. If the project’s storyline sounds familiar, it could be the fact this film went by the title “Impasse” at one point. That aspect may have changed, but the cast of established talent remains the same; Zhang Yi, Yu Hewei, Qin Hailu, Zhu Yawen star in the project.
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The film’s official synopsis:
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Based on the script by Quan Yongxian, “CLIFF WALKERS” is director Zhang Yimou’s first foray into the spy genre. Set the puppet state of Manchukuo in the 1930s; the film follows four Communist party special agents who return to China after receiving training in the Soviet Union. Together, they embark on a secret mission code-named “Utrennya.” After being sold out by a traitor, the team finds themselves surrounded by threats on all sides from the moment they parachute into the mission. Will the agents break the impasse and complete their mission? On the snowy grounds of Manchukuo, the team will be tested to their limit.
A traitor jeopardizes everything in the new film “Cliff Walkers.” It is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 30. Watch the film’s trailer below.