Dominatio Per Malum

Curse of The Golden Flower (2006) 7/10

Having done wonders with visuals in his previous period films, its a surprise that Curse of The Golden Flower, Zhang Yimou’s newest film, happens to be uncharacteristically weak in the aesthetics department. The poster alone gives a hint of how the colors gold and yellow dominate the film, and although it is Zhang’s deliberate choice to paint the in bold gold colors, the effect is gaudy and probably distracting. This is especially noticeable in the indoor scenes, where the mise en scenes of the palace are decorated in psychedelic hues. The overall effect is garish and ugly, and detracts from the overall film.

Based loosely on Cao Yu’s Thunderstorm, the film has elements of Shakespearean tragedy and the plot has similarities with The Banquet, another Chinese blockbuster that also talks of the betrayal and subterfuge in the royal family. The difference is that Curse is helmed by Zhang Yimou and stars Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li. That should be enough to make the film worth watching. The plot itself isn’t really spectacular. If you have watched The Banquet, you may just get a distinct sense of deja vu because of the similarities of both film. As i’ve said before, the color scheme in the film is terrible, and the very first scene that Chow Yun Fat appears clad in gold armor, he looked really ridiculous. Even by ceremonial armor standards, it was really kitschy. But luckily, its Chow Yun Fat, and he quickly gives the role of the Emperor a regal, even imposing stature notwithstanding the ridiculous costume. Similarly, Gong Li gives a sterling performance as the ailing Empress who subtly opposes the Emperor. With more backstabbing and twists than even the most dysfunctional family, the stage is set for the classic greek tragedy as the forces of the Empress and Emperor collide.

The strongest scenes of the film are the character interactions, especially between Gong Li and Chow. Easily priceless, their subtle power struggle and how Chow makes Gong drink the medicine with clockwork precision is chilling and riveting. Liu Ye is also suitably spineless as the Crown Prince and the cast generally acquits itself well. Jay Chou is probably the male equivalent of the flower vase role, and does a decent albeit uninspiring performance, although his mere presence will probably sell more tickets. Visually, the outdoor scenes are well done, especially the field of chrysanthemum. Although the gold color scheme is more a drawback than a merit, there are occasional sequences when it does work, such as one brilliant battle scene where hordes of golden clad warriors march through the field of chrysanthemum. The symmetry and beauty of that scene is one of the film’s highlights.

There is a certain bleakness and even nihilism within the film, and the main leads Chow and Gong Li carry the dark undertones well. The focus here is more on the drama and character interactions and those looking for action or battle sequences will be disappointed. There are a few fight scenes including the final climatic battle, but even then, it is the drama rather than the action that is important. One other point to nitpick is that Zhang really needs to avoid logic defying scenes like having a hail of arrows blanket an army and let Jay Chou be the only one alive.

Overall, Curse of the Golden Flower is an enjoyable film worth watching because of the excellent characterizations by Gong Li and Chow Yun Fat. Deftly blending treachery, deceit and the inner power struggle into a solid greek tragedy, Zhang Yimou crafts a solid film. However, those looking for great aesthetics and fight scenes may want to lower their expectations.