CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER
GLITTERING GOLDS AND SPIDEY NINJAS
By Vishal Verma
Rating:- * * *1/2
What is it?
There is certainly no doubt that Zhang Yimou is a great filmmaker and no question why one of the most outstanding directors at present is chosen to be the chief director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing, 2008. But that is a year later. This year the maker of such great films like ‘The Road Home, ‘Hero’, and of course ‘House of Flying Daggers’ comes up with a movie feast ‘CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER’ a spectacular delight for any Asian cinema fan.
This cinematic spectacle is actually a swap of ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Thunderstorm’ within the backdrop of 1000 year old Tang dynasty. The combo of three greats Zhang, Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li (Raise the Red Lantern, Red Sorghum) however does not ignite the screen much to my disbelieve. Zhang does his part but the two Asian superstars somehow disappoint considering their past performances.
But never the less ‘CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER’ is a film not to be missed for its eye pleasing spectacular visuals, breathtaking action scenes during the climax and marvelous costumes.
Said to be the most expensive Chinese film ever made this nostalgic costume soap-opera may not be as intriguing as ‘the House of Flying Daggers’ but is certainly worth a dekho.
Whats it all about?
In 928 A.D., during the conflict-heavy later phase of the Tang period, the Emperor (Chow) marches home with his second son, Prince Jai (Jay Chou), just before the start of the annual Chong Yang festival. Jai returns to palace to reunite with his mother, the Empress (Gong), whom he hasn't seen since he left for the battlefield three years earlier.
The Emperor and Empress' marriage is in the freezer: He is the oppressor, she, the nervous victim. Complicating matters, the Empress is having an affair with Crown Prince Wan (Liu Ye), the Emperor's first son from his previous marriage.
However, Wan wants to run away with Chan (Li Man), the daughter of the Imperial Doctor (Ni Dahong), who's under orders from the Emperor to give the Empress medicine containing a Persian fungus that will render her insane. Thus relations in this royal family are not merely dysfunctional, but homicidal.
The Emperor's third and youngest son, Prince Yu (Qin Junjie), tries to be ingratiating to both parents.
When the Empress finds Wan with Chan, Wan pleads for and gets leniency, evidence that the Empress has a humanity that seems to be utterly absent in the Emperor.
The plot thickens when it turns out the woman is the Imperial Doctor's wife and Chan's mother, as well as the Emperor's ex-wife and Wan's mother.
Ominous meanings emerge in rather murky terms, and the constant barrage of ploys, counter-ploys and revelations are as weighty and elaborate as the lavish, glistening interior decor of the palace (by production designer Huo Tingxiao).
What to look out for?
Beautifully shot by Zhang, great costumes by Yee Chung Man, breathtaking action sequences by Tony Ching Siu-Tung . This movie epic is an arresting marvel just for its interiors and costumes.
What Not?
Much to my aghast and disbelieve the super duper star Chow Yun Fat lacks charm and zeal. The highly talented Gong Li is reduced to gasps every now and then. Pace is slow. Swords, spears, spider ninja’s come after you have counted your yawns.
Conclusion : Go for this ‘Gold’ cause it has all the glitters for a 114 mins captivating extravaganza.