Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien's martial arts film "The Assassin" emerged as the biggest winner at the 52nd Golden Horse Awards in Taipei on Saturday. The film picked up five awards including best feature film.
Hou also picked up the best director award for the film, which also won best cinematography, best makeup and costume design, and best sound effects at the awards, which are seen as the Oscars of the Chinese-speaking world.
In his acceptance speech, Hou thanked the jury and his longtime film crew. "For us, the most important thing is that we continue to make the best films," he said.
Set in ninth-century China, "The Assassin" tells the story of a general's daughter -- Nie Yinniang -- who was trained since she was a girl to become an assassin.
Taiwanese films captured a total of 12 Golden Horse awards this year. That was a major boost for local filmmakers, who have seen their Chinese and Hong Kong rivals dominate the most important film event in Taiwan over the past few years.
The night's second biggest winner was also a Taiwanese film, "Thanatos, Drunk" by director Chang Tso-chi.
The film, entered the competition with 10 nominations – one short of the “The Assassin.” It won four awards: the best supporting actress award for Lu Hsueh-feng, best new performer award for Lee Hong-chi, as well as best original film score and best film editing.
"Thanatos, Drunk" follows the story of two brothers, one straight and one gay, as they struggle to find a foothold in life after the death of their mother, who is an alcoholic.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese actress Karena Lam won the best lead actress award for her role as a woman who loses her fiancé in "Zinnia Flower," which deals with heartaches and losses.
Chinese director and actor Feng Xiaogang won the best lead actor award for his role as an old hooligan in the action comedy "Mr. Six."