To describe the film in one word Gao Xiao Sun “My Kingdom” (My Kingdom / Da Wu Sheng), a drama about the deadly rivalry between “daushenami”, then the adjective would be perfect "operatic". Beautifully shot, with a stylized pre-war Shanghai, the film is filled with fights choreographed with balletic grace Sammo Hungg. In between the battles, revenge, betrayal, forbidden love and corruption are woven into the overly drawn out and hacky plot - such a traditional repertoire.
Despite the general similarity with the films Chenya Kaige “Farewell, my concubine” и “Mei Lanfang: Forever Enchanted”, followers of arthouse cinema Chenya will consider “My Kingdom” too commercial. Ordinary viewers will not experience such disgust for tragic material embellished with brilliant artistic direction.
“My Kingdom” - a story of ups and downs Iluna (Wu Chun) and Erkuya (Han Geng), two sworn brothers and Dausheng newcomers who went to Shanghai to avenge their teacher's humiliating defeat Юя (Yuen Biao) to his rival - the master Yue (Yu Rongguang). Until departure Yu tells them about the three taboos of their profession. Of course, they manage to violate all three, especially when they meet Mulan (Barbie Hsu), an attractive student and lover Yue.
For the first half hour, viewers are treated to a dense narrative and a large number of elegant traditional one-on-one fights. Their climax is a spear fight with the participation of the entire opera troupe, which began after Yilong и Erkuy challenged the master Yue. Operators Kwon Tin Wo и Lam Wah Chuen their lush cinematography deftly brings to the fore the colorful symmetry of acrobatic movements and vibrant costumes of Peking Opera.
However, the script Zou Jingzhi и Gao Xiao Sun ceases to be believable when three more revenge subplots begin to develop, and thereby deviates further and further from the initial theme, in which the bonds of brotherhood were tested against ambition. The fight scenes will have to wait until the very end of the film. Spectators can expect an excellent sword fight between Erkuem и Mulan in a wine cellar where bottles and barrels are used as creative props.
Despite the outdated theme, the pop idols are dressed in luxurious period costumes Wu Chun и Barbie Hsu may attract younger viewers, but their acting is underwhelming. Hsu, whose on-screen ruthlessness seemed sexy in "The Power of Assassins", didn’t exude the same charisma here.
Author: Maggie Lee
Source: hollywoodreporter.com
Translation: EvilDollaR
Especially for DoD Favorit ;)
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Tags: my kingdom, Barbie Xu, Gao Xiaosong, Sammo Hungg, Wu Chun, Han Geng, Yu Rongguang, Yuen Biao
Tags: my kingdom, Barbie Xu, Gao Xiaosong, Sammo Hungg, Wu Chun, Han Geng, Yu Rongguang, Yuen Biao
Jvr, how was the movie? Have you seen it already?
The film appeared on torrent trackers. One of these days I’ll watch it and write about my impressions. ;)
I doubt that they are well trained :) But this is not Sammo’s fault.
The alarm bell is ringing, quickly, Evil, to the rescue! ))) And what happened?
Offtop: EvilDollaR, please take a look at the forum
It doesn't matter who plays. It is important how they are trained and how the fights are presented! It also depends on the operator. If the operator is bad or drunk, the battles as such will not be visible in full light. Even if they are good.
They may be fools, but Maestro Hungg himself taught them to fight! Sammo - he's cool!!! Even more!!! Keep it up!
no, there won't be a bomb :) The main roles are played by some fools. But I’ll still watch the movie because of Sammo and Biao.
I feel like the fights will be BOMB!
Yeah... Lucky.
Some people are lucky. They let you watch the film before the official premiere. Eh...
and I will watch for Yuen Biao
Judging by the review, Sammo is the only one that holds up. :)
For me? Thank you... :) I am ready to watch the film only because of the fights of the magnificent maestro Hungg.