What I loved most: Twisting of storyline

This movie gets exciting but at times you would be sitting there waiting for a climax when something comes along and distracts you......... but the storyline of the Emporer wanting to poison the queen is still noteworthy and exciting........

Once again, the power of having a good poster is shown in this film. While the poster might have looked impressive (with all that golden shine) and boast a formidable cast of Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li, this film is just not shiny enough in terms of quality. A weak and confusing storyline is the biggest drawback as half the time, i was questioning rather than understanding. The fighting scenes were also a big disappointment, they weren't as well executed as expected but were rather sloppy. The veteran actors did a fine job but then again, the likes of Jay Chou just pulls down the film's quality. In short, this film is just too mediocre to be compared to others like 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" but definitely surpasses "The Banquet". Even if that is not appealing enough, watch it simply for Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li.

What I loved most: Fabric

What I really hated: Boring, predictable and pointless storyline (lack of creativity)

What I find Chinese made or directed films today so disappointing, is the lack of creativity and enjoyment experienced. Most are now epic / period films with over the top, overly melodromatic and melancholy themes. These are films you leave the theatre with a sense of disquietness and discontent. In Lord of the Rings, the heroes are vindicated etc. The ever predictable unhappy ending, where the good dies and evil triumphs, or the usual gray zone of who is good or bad or may be both, I mean give me a break! Is this the tortured chinese psyche? The only saving grace of this film is the fabric, spectacular cinematography and martial art scenes but these alone can never match an engaging storyline or even happy ending. By comparison, I really enjoyed Death note 2 (sure a teeny weeny boper film with a lower budget; but boy I was on edge at my seat for that 2 hrs trying to figure out what is L trying to do next to thwart Light!) because the plot was so engaging and even unpredictable. At least it has a sort of happy ending. I am very happy that none of the Chinese films were even considered in the Oscar lists simply they don't deserve them. This epic period, martial art routine with the predictable plot, over the top melodramatic melancholy unfinished ending is a tired formula that should have ended with "Crouching Tiger" (when it was still fresh, unique and original). Try something new, perhaps, an 'intelligent' funny film, modern and war themes (no kung fu!). China has such a wonderful rich and long history. Surely there is more to this than an over the top family feud with incestual relationship and royal intrigue! Pretty uninspiring!

What I loved most: Fantastic visuals

What I really hated: Mediocre acting from the stars especially Yun Fatt.

Yun Fatt's full portential acting ability is curbed by the emphasis on glamourous costumes and stunning sets. Too much attention is paid to Gong Li's breasts, stunning tho they may be, the story and performance of the players suffers. It is obvious from the first scene that the whole movie hangs on the visual richness, panaromic views, rich colours. In that aspect it has reached it intented goal. I still prefer "The Banquet". It has good acting, good story, good visuals. I think Zhang Yimou has sold his soul and integrity for commercialism. A pity.