Curse of the Golden Flower

This movie is a spectacular production. I am not certain about the historical accuracy of this film, but the premise of this film is as old as dust. The film is about an Emperor who is poisoning his wife in cahoots with the Imperial physician. The wife is having an affair with the Emperor's first born, the step-son. The step-son wants to end the affair since he is having one with the physician's daughter who also happens to be his step-sister. The only people who are aware of this is the Emperor and the physician's wife, and the Empress as we later find out in the movie. How is that for complications?

The Empress also has her own plot to overthrow the Emperor and put her own son on the the throne. She hatches an ill-fated plan with her son. The movie is a tragedy and all the players have played their parts well. Gong Li in the role of the Empress is stunning. A pretty face who can act as well. Chow Yun Fat as the evil cold blooded tyrant has played his role well. You should not miss this movie.