Cast: Yun-Fat Chow, Li Gong, Jay Chou, Ye Liu, Junjie Qin
Director: Yimou Zhang
Rating:
Enetertainment Quotient: 60%
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 114 min
Language: Mandarin
MPAA rating: R

Synopsis:
This story happens during 10th century in China. Emperor (Yun-Fat Chow) finds out that his Empress (Li Gong) is having illicit affair with her step-son and crown prince Wan (Ye Liu). Hence emperor slowly poisons the medicine of empress. She comes to know about it and organizes a surprise coup against the emperor. The rest of the story is all about the twists and turns that happen in the royal palace.

What I liked in the film?
It is a Chinese film that is made to suit the tastes of Hollywood movie lovers. The entire narration is extremely engaging. There are nice twists in the story. The best part of the film is extravagant sets, opulent costumes and vibrant colors. Cinematography and music is extraordinary. This film is like visual poetry. Though it is about military coup, most of the story takes place inside the palace.

The scenes I liked

1. The initial sword fight between father and son after which father warns his son not to take anything by force.
2. The masked ninjas fighting using ropes.
3. The final proposition of the emperor to ask his son to feed medicine to his mother.

Tailpiece:
This film is made by Yimou Zhang who directed films like Hero and The House of Flying Daggers. The story of the film has close resemblance to Shakespearean dramas (Macbeth).