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Recalling the critical reviews of "Curse of the Golden Flower" upon its release, I seem to remember a pretty split decision. There were those that proclaimed the film a tawdry and violent melodrama while others declared it a beautiful epic. Well, in all fairness, it is a beautiful, yet tawdry, excessively violent melodramatic epic. And I mean that in all the best ways! Chinese director Zhang Yimou has put together an eye-popping spectacle of sets, costumes, and effects--complete with his customary flair for dreamlike action sequences and an astonishing color palette. Telling a soapy tale of dysfunction within Emperor Ping's clan circa The Tang Dynasty (928 A.D.), "Curse" has all the lurid ingredients of a modern-day potboiler. There are illicit affairs, murderous schemes, generational secrets, and gruesome acts of violence. Similar to the setup of "The Lion in Winter," "Curse" brings the Ping family together and lets them attack each other with a refreshingly unhinged viciousness. But while "Lion's" carnage was largely verbal, no such claim can be made with this film. With elements of "King Lear" firmly in place, the pace of "Curse" accelerates so rapidly--you know the characters are headed for disaster. Central to the remarkable cast is the gorgeous Gong Li as the Empress. As the catalyst of most of the film's action, Li is the film's most pivotal performer. The female center of this "Flower" (which includes Chow Yun Fat as her husband and their three sons/heirs), Li practically devours the role. Full of passion, rage, lust, and plenty of secrets--she has never been given a showier role and definitely rises to the occasion. The performances are so good, so alive, you want to stick with the tale to the bitter end. And no matter how outrageous this film can get (and the madcap finale certainly pushes conventional sensibilities), it is always grounded with the actors. Forget Shakespeare's most violent tragedies, "Curse" sports a body count that even the Bard would surely envy. Not since the wickedly over-the-top killing spree during the finale of DiPalma's "Scarface" has a movie devolved into such an unabashed show of bloody lunacy. Ridiculous at every turn, the film succeeds by embracing its excesses. The final showdown left me marveling at the staged choreography and laughing at the inspired, yet insane, debauchery. I won't contend that "Curse" is an artistic masterwork that rivals Yimou's previous films "House of Flying Daggers" and "Hero"--but I will say that it is massive entertainment. A frantic, blood-soaked opera of lust and vengeance (with no apologies), I loved "Curse of the Golden Flower." The blu ray transfer doesn't disappoint, the colors are so bright in this film you may have to wear sunglasses when viewing.Read full review
This is a great, high quality Blu-Ray DVD. The colors in the movie are very bright, crisp and clear. I was impressed with the sets in the movie. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed watching it very much. The bonus features are informing, and entertaining. The characters all play well together, and the actors bring them to life. Chow Yun Fat says he isn't that good of an actor, but I find the smallest physical movement, or facial expression from him to convey mountains of meaning in each scene. Words are not needed. He not only plays the Emperor, he IS the Emperor. And Gong Li, as his wife, the Emperor's consort, plays her part well. It's interesting to see what life is really like. This movie is in Chinese and you have a choice of English subtitles, or having actors speak in English. I find the English subtitles, with the Chinese spoken language to be a better choice of communication. In my opinion, more meaning is conveyed this way. This is a great movie about palace intrigue, and what happens behind the scenes inside a royal home. Things are not all roses. Or chrysanthemums, in this case. There are plots within plots within plots, everyone is playing on each other, playing games, and not caring who gets hurt in the end. A very good movie, I recommend it highly. Enjoy!Read full review
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Blu-ray is encoded in High Definition 1080p format. The movie its sharpness, and eye-popping colors are just stunning. Black levels are inky with excellent grey shadow detail, and contrasts are deep. The movie itself is great and if you are already a fan of the DVD the Blu Ray is what you want. One problem with Blu Ray is that with the HD/Blu Ray debate some traditional stores are not stocking them until there is a clear winner. Not to worry, the store below has hundreds of Blu Ray DVDs broken down by genre: http://stores.ebay.com/Dvdmagnet_Dvds-and-Movies_Blu-ray
A culture of supremely well-dressed people wearing ornately amazing fabrics, while accessorizing with silver and gold. The Shogun maintains traditions of immaculate behavior and a rhythm of the court in the palace. It is said he received the position of Shogun by using the correct words. And yet, he is kind, but does not suffer those who attempt treachery. The attempted coup against him at the palace shows a one of a kind art of war strategy that is truly worth the movie in of itself. This movie is educational on every level. It is glorious eye candy.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The colors, wow, it is just amazing! Beautiful movie to try your HDTV and Bluray! The story is great, but don't expect a lot of fights, there is some drama, but overall is a very good movie! You can easily get this movie on EBay for about $10 shipped!
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