Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li. Formula for successful Chinese made film in America. America loves these two Chinese stars. Together with the super-talented singer/pianst Jay Chow. This is a cast to attract crowds.
So this is a movie about an emperor during the turbulent Five Dynasty period. This unstable period is not heavily documented in history. Chow plays the emperor who won the throne by marrying the empress Gong Li. The emperor has been forcing the empress to use Persian poison for years. The empress has been having a secret affair with the prince, from the previous marriage of the emperor. The prince also has an affair with the Imperial Doctor's daughter, whose mother is the emperor's first wife. Complex relationship here. The emperor and the empress has 2 other sons, one trying to save the mother from the drugs and another is quite clueless.
So there was Lord of the Ring style major battle scenes from the golden armor soldiers. Wow, superior battle scenes. The emperor and empress also had such elaborate costumes.
The palace is also elaborately built, which seems to be not possible during that period. The ladies Victorian style costumes are way too revealing for ancient China, even for today. The emperor stresses respect and loyalty during their family meeting. But actually none of them are doing any of that. That is the focus of the movie. People talk values but don't do them.
Jay Chou the prince heads the palace overthrow who mercilessly slaughter his own people. He is such great musician but can use a bit more work in facial expressions and acting.
Gong Li should remain using Chinese in her movies. Miami Vice was bad, ok? Chow's mandarin seem rather unnatural, can use some work too.
Stars: ***
1 comment:
i like the music theme...created by jaychow..hahaha...
the movie isnt bad too..i think..
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