With a twist-packed plot to match its labyrinthine location, Zhang’s fast-paced film motors along nicely as an engaging “Knives Out”-style whodunnit before stumbling a little in the protracted final act.

A few snappy comedy routines and a perpetually escalating mystery plot ensure that Zhang’s latest never slows down nor retraces its steps long enough to feel monotonous.

The knives are out and then some in “Full River Red,” a murkily entertaining exercise in twist-twist-stab-stab from the Chinese director Zhang Yimou.

Proving that he has lost none of his touch and bite with this tale of mystery, intrigue and conspiracy, "Full River Red" is Zhang Yimou’s newest masterwork that deserves to been seen on the biggest screen and with the loudest sound.