Da Vinci Code. Plum Blossom.
The Da Vinci Code (2006) 5/10
If you did not read Dan Brown’s novel of the same name, deduct 2 points form the score and skip this film until after you’ve read the book. If you’ve actually read the book, then there really isn’t anything new here, its a straight and mostly drab cinematic version of the novel. Some books do not translate well to film. The Da Vinci Code is one of them.
The reason why the book was good was because of its explanation of puzzles and symbols in an engaging manner. But must of the puzzling, the use of anagrams is lost in translation with the film version. Its like squeezing 9hrs worth of material into 2 hrs +. The film feels rushed and if you have not read the book then you will likely feel confused at times.
The direction by Ron Howard is unremarkable, and at time stifling. The acting is decent but again, the weakness of the plot prevents anyone from making an impression, save maybe Ian Mckellan who is always a delight to watch. The film is more or less a faithful adaptation with little surprises so if you have read the book you will know the twist ending.
Plum Blossom (2000) 3/10
Overdone film on teen angst and sexual attraction fails to connect and its two male leads feel like one-diemensional cardboard cutouts. More boring than provocative, the only thing notable about this film is Ba Do Nae, who is the only one who seems to be actually acting as opposed to sleepwalking through their role.
