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Curse of the Golden Flower [2007]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Chinese director Zhang Yimou ends his bid to outfly Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with Curse Of The Golden Flower, the third in his Wuxia (the Chinese style of flying and fighting) films. Much like Hero and House Of Flying Daggers, it is drenched in colours so dazzling, and boasts action scenes so exhilarating, that you can almost forgive any shortcomings in the story. Almost. Despite its grandeur, this film is in many ways the least rewarding of the three.

Set in China’s tenth century Tang dynasty, the story sees Chow Yun Fat’s emperor trying to poison his wife, a trussed-up and progressively unstable Gong Li, who is having an affair with her step-son Wan, and trying to manoeuvre her other son Jai against his tyrannical father. Let’s just say that it gets more complicated from there on in, and involves lots of running through endless corridors, but really, it’s best to just sit back and let that intense visual style work its magic.

Swapping action for dramatic intrigue might have been Yimou’s mistake, but there’s no mistaking his knack for breath-taking cinematography. Even if purely on a visual scale, Golden Flower still manages to captivate, and the final battle scene is at least worth the slightly overlong wait. Die hard fans of these films might feel a bit stiffed, but everyone else won’t be short of eye candy. --Luke Mawson


Curse of the Golden Soap Opera
Review date: 2008-10-21 Rating: 6 out of 10

*WARNING- SEMI SPOILERS AHEAD*

This is basically about one of the most dysfunctional families EVER! Set in the good ol Tang Dynasty days when it was hip to be Emperor and you had about a gazillion flower arrangers at your beck and call, the plot mainly revolves around the disintegration of the royal family due to their own back stabber-y hi-jinks. Apparently it's not so hip to be an adulterating Empress, even if you do look very pretty all resplendent in your opulent gowns. It's amazing she can move in that stuff!

The entire movie's pretty opulent actually. It's like watching that panoramic bowing scene from 'The Last Emperor' crossed with an Olympic opening ceremony. There's more plotting and scheming than actual fighting, but when they start with the leaping and weapon chucking, it's very entertaining. It's also got Chow Yun Fat in it which is always a bonus for me, cause I just love Chow Yun Fat. I also enjoyed Gong Li's portrayal of the tragic Empress. She created a dangerously bitter but somewhat sympathetic character desperately struggling against her wretched circumstances. The actress Jin Chen also gave a noteworthy performance as the mysterious wife of the palace physician with her own agenda.

Overall it's basically a big fancy soap opera rather than the epic drama it wants to be, but it is fantastic to watch. Worth a gander.

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Reviews


Chinese eye Candy.
Review date: 2008-06-23 Rating: 6 out of 10

This film is the 'ROlls ROyce' or the 'Ritz' version of 'Crouching Tiger, hidden Dragon'. However, in my opinion, Hero still has to reign supreme over these 3 most well-known chinese masterpieces.
There is no doubt that no expense has been spared producing and making this film. It is opulent, extravagant and has the most luscious, and grand sceneries, backdrops and costumes of the 3 films. Its storyline is just as if not a lot more complex to follow as well, especially if you're being distracted by all the extravagance and action. Gong li as ever is seductively, sublimely, beautiful. If nothing else, buy this to watch and admire her. I would give this 3 and a half stars.

Curse of the Golden Flower
Review date: 2008-05-23 Rating: 8 out of 10

'Curse of the Golden Flower' is an epic saga of family loyalty and betrayal. The direction is truly sumptuous and the use of colour is as beautiful as in this directors other highly lauded films. The story kept me engaged the whole time and the film sets and costumes were amazing to see. The acting is excellent and you barely even notice you're reading subtitles this film keeps you so engrossed. Although not strictly a martial arts film, this does have some excellent martial arts scenes and the end battle is an epic tour de force. This is one to watch and appreciate again and again. Highly recommended.

Good film - but suffers in comparison to its brethren
Review date: 2008-05-09 Rating: 6 out of 10

The Amazon review, above, actually sums it up rather well. It's a spectacular looking film that just suffers from being the third film in a series where the first two are true cinematic greats. This is a very good film, just not on the same level as the excellent "Flying Daggers" and the simply breath-taking "Hero".

The cinematography is, once again, superb with a dazzling use of colour. But the plot drags along and the fight sequences don't seem so imaginative, flowing or beautiful as before.

Maybe if I hadn't already seen Hero I would have been more impressed but, as it is, I'm glad I've seen it for the sake of completion if nothing else.


Fantastic
Review date: 2008-04-15 Rating: 10 out of 10

Much better than "The Warlords" which I saw recently, and I would say considerably better than "The Banquet" which is along the same lines. Gong Li really gets into her role and the twists and turns continue to the exit curtain.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Jay Chou
Li Gong
Yun-Fat Chow
Ye Liu

Creators:
Yun-Fat Chow (Primary Contributor)
Li Gong (Primary Contributor)

Recording label: Universal Pictures Video
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures Video
EAN: 5050582485080
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2007-09-03
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 114 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2007
Language: Mandarin Chinese (Original Language)

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