HKCuk.co.uk - Curse of the Golden Flower

Plot (IMDB): China, Later Tang Dynasty, 10th Century. On the eve of the Chong Yang Festival, golden flowers fill the Imperial Palace. The Emperor (Chow Yun Fat) returns unexpectedly with his second son, Prince Jai (Jay Chou). His pretext is to celebrate the holiday with his family, but given the chilled relations between the Emperor and the ailing Empress (Gong Li), this seems disingenuous. For many years, the Empress and Crown Prince Wan (Liu Ye), her stepson, have had an illicit liaison. Feeling trapped, Prince Wan dreams of escaping the palace with his secret love Chan (Li Man), the Imperial Doctor's daughter. Meanwhile, Prince Jai, the faithful son, grows worried over the Empress's health and her obsession with golden chrysanthemums. Could she be headed down an ominous path?

Review: Curse of the Golden Flower is Zhang Yimous third attempt at a martial arts epic. After his enormous international success with 2002's Hero, and his almost superior (most would disagree with that, but I liked it alot) follow up House of Flying Daggers (2004), did he pull it off again? Kinda. If you compare this film to Yimous earlier works such as The Road Home, or Happy Times, then yes, this is indeed an epic martial arts film. However, Curse does not feel that much like it should be in the genre of “Martial Arts”. Yes, there is fighting and swordplay, so that would technically put it into that category. That said, would you consider Charles Angels a martial arts film because they fight? I certainly hope not(if you do you need to seriously re-evaluate your opinions on films). Either way, Martial Arts film or not, Curse of the Golden Flower is a masterpiece.

I must first give deserving praise to the films visuals. Right off the get go, and until the credits role every frame of the film could be hung up in a gallery. The sets, the costumes, even the actors and actress are dolled up so much, you would think you were watching a beautiful oil painting come to life. Its simply stunning. However I assure you that Curse is far more then a pretty face. It may have a simple story, and take place entirely in the palace(and a bit outside), but it still works. This is what sets Curse apart the most from Yimous previous epics. Its simple story which focus’s on what can be best described as a dysfunctional royal family. Who on the outside looks picture perfect, but on the inside harvests so much anger, jealousy, and dark secrets, that it was only a matter of time before it all became too much.

The cast is another one of the films many strong points. Chow Yun-Fat is at his absolute best as the dark Emperor Ping. I can assure you, you have never seen this kind of performance from him. Especially when you see him get angry, but I will not spoil! Gong Li is also excellent as Pings very unhappy second wife(his first died when the crown prince was very young). When alone she shows such deep despair in her eyes, which are only highlighted by her golden makeup. But when she emerges from her quarters as the almighty Empress, all that is well hidden. Another notable cast member is Jay Chou, as the middle Prince Jie. He was able to pull off the role quite well.

As I noted above, there is very little action throughout the course of the film, however there is some. In fact, the closer the film comes to the end, the more action there is. And what little action there is, its stunning! The end climactic battle between an army of soldiers in golden armor, and an army in silver is so very well done. The best part about it is that there are tens of thousands of solders fighting, but its not on an open battlefield. Its in the courtyard of the palace. So it goes without saying that there is not much room for them to move around. When we are treated to the odd overheard shot, it looks like a giant blob of gold moving in on a giant blob of silver! But when the two sides connect. Silver and gold suddenly turn red! Yes, there is blood in Curse of the Golden Flower, there is lots of blood.

To many this may come off as Yimous weakest attempt at martial arts epics. However the film is so good! It might help to go into the film with expectations of seeing a small story about family drama, and you just might be treated to a wonderful action sequence here and there. Zhang Yimous has done it again, and despite its minor flaws, it’s a 10!

The cast. One of Chow Yun-Fat’s best performances ever.
Stunning visuals. The set designs are beautiful, and the costumes are amazing
Not a lot of action, but the climatic battle is outstanding!
Jay Chou leading the army
Chow Yun-Fat as an evil emperor who still has heart
If you like cleavage, you will love this film.
The yellow flowers outside the palace

Though considered a martial arts film, there is not really much martial arts.

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	Curse of the Golden Flower Director: Zhang Yimou Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Gong Li, Jay Chou, Man Li Plot (IMDB): China, Later Tang Dynasty, 10th Century. On the eve of the Chong Yang Festival, golden flowers fill the Imperial Palace. The Emperor (Chow Yun Fat) returns unexpectedly with his second son, Prince Jai (Jay Chou). His pretext is to celebrate the holiday with his family, but given the chilled relations between the Emperor and the ailing Empress (Gong Li), this seems disingenuous. For many years, the Empress and Crown Prince Wan (Liu Ye), her stepson, have had an illicit liaison. Feeling trapped, Prince Wan dreams of escaping the palace with his secret love Chan (Li Man), the Imperial Doctor's daughter. Meanwhile, Prince Jai, the faithful son, grows worried over the Empress's health and her obsession with golden chrysanthemums. Could she be headed down an ominous path? Review: Curse of the Golden Flower is Zhang Yimous third attempt at a martial arts epic. After his enormous international success with 2002's Hero, and his almost superior (most would disagree with that, but I liked it alot) follow up House of Flying Daggers (2004), did he pull it off again? Kinda. If you compare this film to Yimous earlier works such as The Road Home, or Happy Times, then yes, this is indeed an epic martial arts film. However, Curse does not feel that much like it should be in the genre of “Martial Arts”. Yes, there is fighting and swordplay, so that would technically put it into that category. That said, would you consider Charles Angels a martial arts film because they fight? I certainly hope not(if you do you need to seriously re-evaluate your opinions on films). Either way, Martial Arts film or not, Curse of the Golden Flower is a masterpiece. I must first give deserving praise to the films visuals. Right off the get go, and until the credits role every frame of the film could be hung up in a gallery. The sets, the costumes, even the actors and actress are dolled up so much, you would think you were watching a beautiful oil painting come to life. Its simply stunning. However I assure you that Curse is far more then a pretty face. It may have a simple story, and take place entirely in the palace(and a bit outside), but it still works. This is what sets Curse apart the most from Yimous previous epics. Its simple story which focus’s on what can be best described as a dysfunctional royal family. Who on the outside looks picture perfect, but on the inside harvests so much anger, jealousy, and dark secrets, that it was only a matter of time before it all became too much. The cast is another one of the films many strong points. Chow Yun-Fat is at his absolute best as the dark Emperor Ping. I can assure you, you have never seen this kind of performance from him. Especially when you see him get angry, but I will not spoil! Gong Li is also excellent as Pings very unhappy second wife(his first died when the crown prince was very young). When alone she shows such deep despair in her eyes, which are only highlighted by her golden makeup. But when she emerges from her quarters as the almighty Empress, all that is well hidden. Another notable cast member is Jay Chou, as the middle Prince Jie. He was able to pull off the role quite well. As I noted above, there is very little action throughout the course of the film, however there is some. In fact, the closer the film comes to the end, the more action there is. And what little action there is, its stunning! The end climactic battle between an army of soldiers in golden armor, and an army in silver is so very well done. The best part about it is that there are tens of thousands of solders fighting, but its not on an open battlefield. Its in the courtyard of the palace. So it goes without saying that there is not much room for them to move around. When we are treated to the odd overheard shot, it looks like a giant blob of gold moving in on a giant blob of silver! But when the two sides connect. Silver and gold suddenly turn red! Yes, there is blood in Curse of the Golden Flower, there is lots of blood. To many this may come off as Yimous weakest attempt at martial arts epics. However the film is so good! It might help to go into the film with expectations of seeing a small story about family drama, and you just might be treated to a wonderful action sequence here and there. Zhang Yimous has done it again, and despite its minor flaws, it’s a 10! Highlights The cast. One of Chow Yun-Fat’s best performances ever. Stunning visuals. The set designs are beautiful, and the costumes are amazing Not a lot of action, but the climatic battle is outstanding! Jay Chou leading the army Chow Yun-Fat as an evil emperor who still has heart If you like cleavage, you will love this film. The yellow flowers outside the palace Letdowns Though considered a martial arts film, there is not really much martial arts. Rating: 10.0 out of 10.0