This film is about the behind the scenes machinations of the imperial family in China during the Tang Dynasty in the year 928 AD. The film follows various members of the royal family as they plot to either overthrow or protect the ruling family.
This movie has got to be one of the most visually stunning films ever made. The sets are eye poppingly beautiful, the costumes are a wonder to behold, the landscapes are stunning, and the actors and actresses are amazingly good looking. Case in point, Gong Li:
The film starts off with a ton of exposition but it all really is important to the story so we advise you to pay attention. After the prolonged set up the story revs into high gear and it features some of the most incredible action sequences ever filmed. Have no fear though, this is not a martial arts movie, rather it is a movie that has some martial arts in it. And it also has Gong Li in it. Case in point, Gong Li:
This visually stunning piece of cinema was directed by Zhang Yimou. He's the genius behind other films such as Ju Dou, Raise the Red Lantern, Qiu ju, and Happy Times. They are all good films but one thing made a few of them great films. And that one thing was Gong Li:
Also starring beside Gong Li in this epic is Chow Yun Fat. Chow is a great action actor and he proves in this film that he can do other things beside shoot a gun in slo-mo and wave his mighty sword around. Here's a photo of Chow Yun Fat, Zhang Yimou, and Gong Li.
Gong Li's performance stands out, as does that of Chow Yun Fat. Also very good performers in this film were Jay Chou as Prince Jai, Man Li as Chan Jian, the daughter of the Imperial family doctor, and that of Jin Chan as her mother. All of those folks turned in solid performances. But in our opinion the best one was given by Gong Li. Hers was a nuanced character that she infused with sensuality, pride, rebelliousness, and longing. She was divine in this movie and she looks pretty good in a backless dress too.
The extras on this DVD are kind of skimpy but they are worth checking out if only for a few more glimpses of Gong Li.
All in all we highly recommend this film and we encourage you to see it. The whole thing, not just Gong Li, is stunning to watch. And it also goes to show you how advanced the Chinese really are. They tell you in the DVD extras that the Tang Dynasty was a period of opulence and there is no reason to think they are lying. Now contrast all the wealth, opulence, and how far advanced the Chinese were in 928 with the Europeans of that time who were going through the Dark Ages.
Rent or buy this film, but just make sure you see it.
What's that Ms. Li? You say your clothes fell off and you got all dirty? You say you need a shower? Well please step inside the doublewide trailer Dr. Monkey lets us live in and we'll clean you off! Honestly, it's no trouble. Just step right in the shower. What's that? Uh, well we're just gonna get in with you and wash your back. That's all, just wash your back. We promise.
So say us! So say we all!!!!!
5 comments:
Hold on, is Gong Li in this?
I love Chinese/Kung Fu period pieces. My fave is House of Flying Daggers.
oh, wait, is that an asian film?
I saw it monkey and this was an amazing film. And Gong Li was well... I think you said it best so I will just leave it alone.
for a second there, i thought you had reviewed "the golden child" not "the curse of the golden flower" and i was really excited that you were reviewing a 20-year-old eddie murphy movie.
i suppose my excitement was premature.
Evil Spock-Uh I think she's in a scene or two.
Jewgirl-Oy! Vat a keeder you are!
Boxer-Nice to see you showed up finally. Drink in my genius.
Kelsi-Hang on, only guys are allowed to be premature, and then we say, "It's never happened before!"
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