[MR] Movie Reviews

[C. Brian Towey]

Friends and Neighbors,

 

We finally saw "The Curse of the Golden Flower," a big-budget Chinese
historical production with a cast of thousands.  Set about 900 AD, when my
own ancestors were sunk deep in the Dark Ages, it is hard to describe this
film without words like "lavish," "dazzling," or "decadent."  It's a tragic
tale of an unhappy royal family, and it doesn't have a typical Hollywood
ending.  But, it is the only medieval Chinese epic I've ever seen with
pitched battles between credible armies.  Massed archery, massed spear
volleys, siege engines, you name it.  Apparently, thousands of troops from
the People's Army provided the extras.  Plus, the garb and props and sets
were outstanding, and the acting was way better than the usual martial arts
flick.  I'll give it four stars out of five.  It would get more if it were
about a specific historical event, instead of (supposedly) a composite of
several.  Chinese with English subtitles.  It's rated R for violence, but if
your kids have been to Pennsic, they can handle it.  My seven-year-old youth
combatant was un-fazed. 

 

Now, who has seen "Mongol," which opened last weekend?  The trailers look
awesome.  Is it worth seeing in the theater?  Or should I wait for the
video?

 

Charles Fleming


__________________________________________________
D O T E A S Y - "Join the web hosting revolution!"
             http://www.doteasy.com