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Rating of
3/4
Indyfreak - wrote on 01/19/2018
Zhang Yimou's exquisitely mounted historical drama features gorgeous production design and beautiful costumes. The political intrigue and familial infighting are nothing new. But both Chow Yun-fat and Gong Li are great as the warring monarchs. The third act is a spectacular climax with bloody and exciting action scenes.
Rating of
2.5/4
donkeyknight - wrote on 05/01/2011
Visually, it is everything you've come to expect from a Zhang Yimou film, amazing sets, costumes and brilliant colors. But it is the screenplay, which hearkens back to Shakespeare and Greek tragedies, that impressed me the most. This does not deserve to be in the top 1000 though.
Rating of
3.5/4
kustaa - wrote on 09/11/2009
I love Yimou Zhang. This film is not what the western culture is used for the past years. It has not flying persons or strong CGI. It's a very powerfull tragedy, very similar to greeks one. Ergo, you'll notice notes of Throne of blood and Ran (wich are also based in tragedies) I think you'd love it if you like those premises. Awesome film.
Rating of
2.5/4
Chris Kavan - wrote on 01/11/2009
Visually stunning and with a decent story, but I felt so detached that I could never connect with the film. It might work better for others, but for me it was only middling.
Rating of
1/4
Allison - wrote on 03/18/2008
This movie was one of the worst I've seen story-wise. A beautiful scenario and good acting from Gong Li. But unfortunately that can't saving this movie whose themes of both Chinese traditions and incest are kind of baffling.
