There are no good guys in this film. You can root for anyone, and by the end, you still probably won't be satisfied.
On the one hand, this film is pretty ridiculous - a coup staged by an empress against her husband, incest, infidelity, poisoning...it's almost like Shakespeare, only far more entertaining and accessible.
Leading to the entertainment value are the stunning visuals. This is potentially the most gorgeous movie I have ever seen (and I've seen Zhang Yimou's other films). Bright colors, amazing costumes, great staging of formations of large numbers of people in beautiful clothing...it's no wonder the film was nominated for an Oscar in costuming. Oh, and there's fireworks! (Yes, the Chinese had fireworks 1000 years ago...whether they looked like that, I don't know...) The acting is amazing too, especially given the over-the-top qualities of the plot. I really believed and sympathized with these characters.
Moreover, the film kept me engaged the whole time. For not one minute did I get bored or wonder how long it would be until the end. And when it did finally reach the end, I wanted more.
Go see this film. It's a real treat.
On the one hand, this film is pretty ridiculous - a coup staged by an empress against her husband, incest, infidelity, poisoning...it's almost like Shakespeare, only far more entertaining and accessible.
Leading to the entertainment value are the stunning visuals. This is potentially the most gorgeous movie I have ever seen (and I've seen Zhang Yimou's other films). Bright colors, amazing costumes, great staging of formations of large numbers of people in beautiful clothing...it's no wonder the film was nominated for an Oscar in costuming. Oh, and there's fireworks! (Yes, the Chinese had fireworks 1000 years ago...whether they looked like that, I don't know...) The acting is amazing too, especially given the over-the-top qualities of the plot. I really believed and sympathized with these characters.
Moreover, the film kept me engaged the whole time. For not one minute did I get bored or wonder how long it would be until the end. And when it did finally reach the end, I wanted more.
Go see this film. It's a real treat.