One of the best things about living where we are now is Civic Video, a movie rental store located just down the street. Wednesday at 6 - 8pm is Happy Hour, where all new releases are only $1.95 for either over night or 3 nights hire. We thought of watching some movies, so hired several new releases. The first which we watched was "Curse of the Golden Flower". Didn't really know anything about this movie, not much publicity, but we thought, hey it's Chow Yuen Fatt and Gong Li, how bad can the movie be. Plus, the DVD cover looks quite sophisticated.
The movie started off ok, however, first turn-off was the part when it was first revealed that Empress actually has an affair with her stepson, the Emperor's eldest son by the Emperor's first wife. Initial reaction was disgust, but slowly realized that in the Imperial palace, every other male is an eunuch except for the royal family. After all, it's just a movie, we continued watching. Second turn-off, the over-exposed boobs were just too much to bear considering that it's an asian setting. Finally, I really disagree with the casting of Prince Jie, the Empress' eldest son, who was acted by Jay Chou. His acting was a little awkward and in the making interview, he explained he was actually quite scared and nervous while acting alongside Gong Li that he dared not look into her eyes. What a funny chap!
I must say though that the costumes are stunning and lavish and all the colours used in the setting are just amazing and beautiful. All in all, the main message of the movie is that, when it comes to a powerful and strong ruling, what is seemingly beautiful on the outside can be squirmingly ugly on the inside.
Visit the official webpage of the movie and you will see how beautiful cinematography is. I give this movie a 7 out of 10.
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