It’s been coming. After three lost attempts in writing this, I suspect my reviews have been cursed. It may also have been dubbed as "Curse of the Golden Corset" in China, but is it any good?
Curse of the Golden Flower (滿城盡帶黃金甲, Mǎnchéng Jìndà i Huángjīnjiǎ)
Chow Yun Fat, Gong Li, Liu Ye, Jay Chou
Dir: Zhang Yimou – 2006 – China
There is one thing you can bank on with Zhang Yimou and his current spell of films, and that is the visual feast that you see on the projection screen. But what many will say as well with his recent films such as Hero and House of Flying Daggers is that that the visual feasts aren’t matched by the story line.
Curse of the Golden Flower follows on in much in the style of Hero and House of Flying Daggers. Zhang Yimou takes us back to the Tang Dynasty in China, about a thousand years ago in a time where feuds were common. Curse focuses on the Imperial family, headed by the Emperor Ping (Chow Yun Fat), a warrior and proud man who ascends the throne through having married the King’s daughter, Emperess Phoenix (Gong Li). Emperor Ping’s eldest son, Wan (Liu Ye), whom he had before marrying Phoenix is chosen as Crown Prince, however, he is having second thoughts, particularly as his son as asked for the responsibility to be passed onto his younger brother Jai (Jay Chou). When Phoenix learns that Ping has been poisoning with her she hatches a plan to overthrow her husband.
The story isn’t particularly original. Not surprising, some might say as Zhang Yimou’s more recent efforts have attracted criticism for their poor storylines. Indeed Curse of the Golden Flower pretty much follows every other feudal affair there could be. But as with his most recent efforts, you get what you pretty much expect. The sets and costumes are absolutely delectable, the visual camerawork is simply gorgeous and as a piece of art, it’s stunning. But in a way you’d hope so as this was reportedly the largest budget for a Chinese film ever.
Chow Yun Fat leads a stellar cast, in a very convincing and unrecognisable role as the Emperor, Gong Li, continues her recent spate of woman power as phoenix and Liu Ye puts in what is his usually high standard of performance. Even feature film newbie Jay Chou, more known in Asia for his hugely successful music career, puts in a great performance (and not just by penning and singing a tremendous soundtrack).
I do wonder sometimes, if I will ever see a perfect Zhang Yimou film with a story line to match his feast of visual delights. Nonetheless, I live in hope that it might happen. But for Curse, one for your eyes to feast on.
Rating: 
Links:
IMDb entry: Curse of the Golden Flower
Buy this film at YesAsia