The Emperor's Shadow
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Movie Reviews of The Emperor's Shadow
Movie Review: First we kill all the musicians
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Emperor's Shadow" is a Chinese production that rivals anything by legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. The film has breathtaking cinematography, brilliant acting and an intriguing story-line. It's all so good, it shines even through sub-titles.
The plot puts one in mind of Shakespeare's Henry VI, in which a character named Dick the Butcher utters the immortal line "First, we kill all the lawyers!" In this case, the butcher is the first emperor of China, who says in effect "First, we kill all the musicians!"
As a musician, I naturally take umbrage at that idea, but I must admit I understand why he would find my kind dangerous. Lord knows, someone who would rather play music than eat is difficult to control. Of course we all know from the tale of the grasshopper and the ant that musicians eventually receive their comeuppance, but I think beheading is way over the top. Then again, maybe that's not such a bad idea for some present-day "artists" whose success far exceeds their talent. Anyway ...
Not to give away too much of the plot, but the emperor eventually realizes that musicians have their virtues, and so he solicits a musician to compose a national anthem as a way to compel the people's obedience. The plot thickens because the greatest musician in China is the son of the emperor's wet nurse, an "adopted" brother who so despises the ways of the emperor that he intends to assassinate him.
Is that a Shakespearean plot or what? Trust me, everything else about this film is equally superior.
Movie Review: A Mindblowing Epic... a must see for anyone who thinks.
Summary: 5 Stars
I can say little about this movie in the time I have to review, except to say that it is an overwhelming large scale epic and emotionally stirring story. Perhaps occasionally inappropriate for the weak of stomach, but it's appeal lies in characterisation and brilliant storytelling.For those who would rather experience it all first hand, do not read on as the following is a brief summary of the storyline. I do however urge anyone with a spare few hours to watch this movie.
It tells the story of a musician Gao Jian Li (I think that was his name) and the first emperor of China, who was a childhood friend of the musician. Even though they were enemies, they were brought together by extreme circumstances. Later, when the emperor has the power of life and death over all people, he enslaves Gao Jian Li to compose the national anthem. Gao Jian Li hates all that the emperor stands for and makes life as difficult as possible. I won't go any further as I won't do the storyline any justice.
Movie Review: Powerful, sweeping epic ...
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a surprisingly good and overlooked movie. I'm not altogether sure how historically accurate it is, but it does a fine job of depicting the brutality employed by the then ruling dynasty in order to unify China. It deftly weaves within this the intricate story of the emperor's love for his daughter and his childhood friend and their ill-fated love affair.The acting is top notch, especially Jiang Wen's portrayal of the emperor. He convincingly conveys his cruelty while allowing us to believe the love he has for his daughter and childhood friend. I never question the conflict within him because his portrayal makes it believable.
Though the backdrops and sets seem almost muted compared to the larger-than-life emperor, this movie still manages to sweep you away in the stunningly lavish and rich scenery. The cinematography is top-notch.
The film is long but worth sitting through for a truly great film.
Movie Review: The visible analogies !
Summary: 5 Stars
Third Century B.C. The First Emperor of China tries to unite his squabbling realm from a childhood friend and now a revered musician. What this powerful picture shows us is the impressive psychological insight, the political intrigues, the lavish mass spectacle, that in major or minor degree seem so similar to our actual political regimes, which clearly shows the level of advance we have reached in this sense.
Impressive locations and sumptuous photography make of this film an obligated reference.
Movie Review: Overlooked epic
Summary: 4 Stars
When this movie was made in '96, it was the most expensive ever attempted in China, and it certainly shows on screen. With a cast of thousands, a powerful score and sweeping scenery, the effect is truly breathtaking.It is essentially an allegorical tale about the power of the state and its relationship with intellectuals and artists. Much of the drama and characterisations are highly symbolic, with Jiang Wen and Ge You acting opposite each other as polar forces. As such the characters of Ying Zheng and Gao Jianli are highly idealised and not very convincing.
Zhou Xiaowen has also made a point of departing quite far from history to create this film.
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