This film was a great disappointment from director Zhang Yimou. The plot, which I won't bother to describe here, plays out like a Greek tragedy. However, by the third act, the script, acting and staging become so overwrought that the film descends into camp. Much has been said about the film's colorful visual style. Nothing from "Curse" was not done to greater effect in Yimou's earlier "Hero." Ultimately, the film bears comparison to the so-bad-it's-good 1980 film version of "Flash Gordon." Both are films are filled with incredibly colorful sets and costumes, a villain who literally twirls his goatee, scantily clad females and a lot of scenery-chewing by screen legends who have done much better work elsewhere.
The Taiwanese pop idol Jay Chou, who tends to be inexpressive in his music videos, is merely adequate here. Chou's love of martial arts serves him well in the action scenes. But Chou is completely blown off the screen whenever he shares a scene with either Gong Li or Chow-Yun Fat.
On the positive side, the visuals are impressive at times, and the film doesn't have the pro-government tyranny propaganda found in "Hero." And of course, Gong Li and Man Li look stunning in their low-cut costumes.
The Taiwanese pop idol Jay Chou, who tends to be inexpressive in his music videos, is merely adequate here. Chou's love of martial arts serves him well in the action scenes. But Chou is completely blown off the screen whenever he shares a scene with either Gong Li or Chow-Yun Fat.
On the positive side, the visuals are impressive at times, and the film doesn't have the pro-government tyranny propaganda found in "Hero." And of course, Gong Li and Man Li look stunning in their low-cut costumes.
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