Curse of the Golden Flower (2007)

Costumes fantastic Direction ok, view with patience I got into the story

What a beautiful incredible film! The colours of the sets and costume design were breathtaking; golds, pinks, reds and blue.... I loved the cinematography too, the transitions were well-thought out and editing magnificent. The fight scenes were spectacular and the acting was brilliant. The whole film was superb! I am still quite taken with 'Curse of the Golden Flower'. The storyline developed beautifully, weaving in side plots and back-stories. Highly highly recommend this - 5 stars! A Delight!

(Watch it in Blu-ray version instead, if you can!). Chinese movie with English subtitles. Around 1000 extras have been used to film the battle scenes. Gong Li is beautiful as an empress. The story is on a cruel side but probably that is actually how things did work in those times, poisoning with a black mushroom was a common tool, just like using polonium is today ;) It was interesting to read on the internet (after viewing the film) about the fashion of Tang Dynasty, at first I imagined that the film cannot be correct at all, such low cut dresses (décolletage) But it appears actually women of high status were allowed to wear dresses like that, apparently! I still have doubts regarding the pearly make up worn by Gong Li, it does not seem historically correct, but after all, what do I really know about fashions of Tang Dynasty? The answer is not much! Worth viewing for all the spectacular opulence / gold silver, etc. One of the biggest Chinese film productions ever!

Fabulous movie, waited about 3 months for it to arrive, watched it straight away. The colour, costumes and grandeur of the palace etc was fabulous. If you enjoy sub-titled foreign films this one is right up there. Story was interesting and the actors were brilliantly cast.

Excellent

This movie would have been very good except I don't speak Mandarin, and the sub-titles were miles down at the bottom of the screen we couldn't read the half letters showing. It was colourful and alive but had know idea without words what exactly was going on.

No matter how many times I've seen this movie, I always go back for more. (18 times now I think) Only one of two movies where a character can make me dislike an actor. Chow Yun Fat plays his role as a megalomaniacal Emperor so convincingly, and Jay Chou is perfect as Prince Jie. Supporting cast were well chosen. The storyline is subtle with great twists. It's not the usual over the top that you get in this genre. Its one of the movies that got me into the more serious Asian films.... Sorry Jackie Chan you just don't cut it anymore.

I thought this was a terrific movie. Had me riveted from start to finish. Only thing that spoilt it was the fact that unless you understand mandarin you had to read subtitles.

This dvd was like a 2nd rate "Bollywood" movie. It was delivered to me along with the dvd called "An Empress and the Warrior", both were in Chinese Manderin", which I don't speak. Very dissapointed and both were sent back immediately because I didn't watch either of them. Shocking stuff.

Highly recommended! The breathtaking production, solid acting, unpredictable story. I want a copy to keep!

One of the better movies of this genre. Has a surprisingly solid storyline and is visually stunning - especially the scenes inside the palace, costumes and ninjas attacking from ropes. CYF and the leading actress give solid performances. If you like this genre, you'll probably really like this.

Brilliant movie. Definately one to rent and watch!

The graphics are sensational, the plot fantastic, the acting is brilliant, all in all- this movie is a total pleasure to watch. Although if you are the type that like's sappy, happy endings where everyone walks away into the sunset holding hands and whistling show tunes, this certainly isn't your cup of tea.

Visually pleasing but lacked the impact of some of its predecessors. The story rambled and it was hard to stay engaged. Worth a look if you like grand-scale spectacles and the opulence of imperial China.

Brillaint movie. Full of great action, beautiful colour and a plot with a lot of twists that grips you from the first scene. Also very different to the typical Hollywood films and helps you gain an insight into an important part of history. Definitely worth watching

Amazing use of colour and great visuals. I personally found it a little slow but worth a watch if your interested in historical tales, especially tragic ones.

A GREAT MOVIE SPECTACULAR, GREAT SCENERY, BRILLIANT STORY, FELT LIKE YOU ARE LIVING IN THE MOMENT.

Very Shakespearen, unbelievable visions possibly better than Crounching Tiger.

A bit too tragic for me.

I found this movie a bit slow. Glorious cinematography, great acting, but the pace was too slow for me. Treat this as a drama piece rather than an action flick and you'll enjoy.

Beautifully shot as usual but not enough action and martial arts for me. The scenes that did involve action were excellent, especially the use of flying foxes.

A bit too much!

Despite the massive sets and the cast of thousands this film felt surprisingly small. Too much time in the somewhat gaudy set and I felt Chow Yun-Fat didn't have the chops for his role as king. Disappointed in director Zhang Yimou who along with Gong Li has provided some of the best cinema of the last 20 years. Looked more like a rehearsal for the 2008 Bejing Olympic opening ceremony. Proves that access to a massive cast and a big budget can be more of a hinderance than a help.

Although in Mandarin this is an excellent action movie

tops

Great stuff. Moving.

Little slow to start up but picks up half way through with plenty of action. Visually stunning throughout as you'd expect from this kind of movie.

The magnificence of this production is somewhat destroyed typically as in some of these Chinese products by the unbelievable feats that are more from science fiction than exist or existed in reaility. The story line was good and it is not necessary in every movie to see good over evil but the plot was 'over played'. To me the whole effort in this well acted production was outdone by its lack of reality.

A visual feast

beautiful to watch... stunning scenery, good acting... watch as a family is torn apart bit by bit... a truly classic Chinese tragedy... 5 stars!

the sets and costume is worht a watch.the story line is weak but the grand sets and more than 2000 extra in the battle scene makes it up.check it out

A rich sumptuous film full of the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Some terrific scenes that only the Chinese can deliver - mass armies and large populace. A simple story of internal palace politics and rivalries with the eventual palace revolution. Very enjoyable.

Very good movie based on interesting story. Actors are excellence.

This film is amazing! Gong Li and the cast are great, delivering sound performances. The costumes and jewellery are stunning, and the sets are magnificent. There's so much to look at in this film you'll want to send your eyes to fat camp.