Curse of the Golden Flower

Upon another friend's glowing recommendation and after watching the beautifully done trailer, we went to see this movie.

This is a Visually Stunning Film based in the Tang Dynasty - the most decadent dynasty in Chinese history. If you are looking for lots of Kung Fu stuff like Crouching Tiger or Hero, then you might be disappointed. This is more a dramatic story with a lot of internal stuggles and acting. The Action at the end if you are patient for it is a good pay off but if you are impatient, (like myself) then you might think the movie was a little slow.

Gong Li is director Zhang Yimou's muse since 1987 - 1995, this is the first movie that they are in together since their break up. She was absolutely amazing in her acting. I thought she was good in Raised the Red Lantern and Ju Dou but this is the best collaboration I have ever seen.

Apparently, every able body you see in this movie is real and not CGI. Once you realize that, the movie is now an EPIC.

For a holiday movie, it might not be what you are looking for. For being in the theatres in time for Award season, this is a good candidate.