In DeptH AnalysiS of an ExtracT...

In this particular part of the film, Mei and Leo are involved in an intense fight between one another, where Mei is trying to kill Leo, but Leo on the other hand in trying to capture in order to find out some answers about the whereabouts of the flying daggers...


The camera moves vigorously, as the fighting between Mei and Leo begins. There is no background music, only the screeching sound of two swords battling one another. The overall lighting throughout the fight is high key, and this could suggest the fight taking place during the day. However, it also presents the Chinese culture as being vibrant, as the setting is also very colourful. The camera stays in a medium shot of the two people, allowing the audience to identify with the surroundings. We then are introduced to a very high angle shot of the brothel where the action is taking place, thus providing the audience with a clearer view, but also making us feel superior towards the fighters, as if they are puppets being controlled by our sadistic pleasures.

Moving on, the camera movements are very snappy which connotes the intensity of the action. This is further emphasized with a slow motion shot, presenting Mei’s sword as being unable to handle the immense strength of Leo’s sword. Mei is dressed up in an extremely glamorous outfit, topped off with a face painted with make-up. This juxtaposes the situation she is in, but on the other hand justifies her femininity and her right to stick up for herself. Additionally, Leo is clothed in her police uniform, which symbolizes his authority as a regulator of the law.

The non-dietetic beating of the drums starts, as Mei is forced back to regain her balance. This is traditional Chinese music and is parallel to the on-screen scene. At this point the camera begins to close in on the two characters, as they are both gathering their energy back. They have very serious facial-expressions which once again connotes the seriousness of the fight and its significance. As soon as the first drum beat sounds, they immediately charge into one another, commencing the battle. At this point the filming is done at a slight low-angle, gradually giving the two fighters some dominance. Furthermore, more slow motion shots have been included which signify certain movements. The slow-motion shots are generally used when Mei has been attacked rather than Leo, and in some ways this could portray the power that males have over females. The camera constantly moves with the actions to involve and engage the audience with the action and out them in a position of one the two fighters. The fight speeds up, so does the music, resulting in a more gripping intense clash.

The scene then changes, into a more low-key setting. The music comes to a halt as Mei searches for the sly Leo. The brawl then continues as Leo sneaks up behind Mei. They begin to go at it one more time until Leo finally defeats the helpless Mei.