Yimou Zhang (Hero, House of Flying Daggers) directs this period piece about 10th century China. The Emperor (Yun-Fat Chow) is slowly poisoning his wife (Li Gong)- the empress, whom he suspects is subverting his empire. They have three very different sons, the oldest who is trying to be loyal, the middle son is trying to run after a palace worker he has fallen in love with, and the youngest son is naively and selfishly seeking his own power. In Shakespearean fashion, the flaws of the characters soon undoes them in this tragic story where revenge and dignity, take priority over love and loyalty. The fights are well choreographed, the costuming is detailed and beautiful, and the cinematography uses color to maximum effect- showing the magnitude of the Chinese empire.
May 22, 2007
Curse of the Golden Flower - 5
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3 comments:
I love this movie.
Definitely a seven in my book. House of Flying Daggers, too. I just can't get enough.
I would give this film a seven for visual effects alone, but the plot is interesting too.
Did u see farewell my concubine and the last emperor? You might like them. Also you might like the Chinese Wedding Banquet (I can't remember the exact title) -- about the gay guys one of whom must get married (and does). Thank you for your movie reviews! It helps me plan my movie watching. Not that there is very much of that these days. Grr.
I have not seen either of the first two. But I did enjoy The Wedding Banquet and Ang Lee's other film Eat Drink Man Woman.
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