There's great film hidden somewhere beneath the gold plating and silk brocade. But as it stands, the film we see, while gorgeous to look at, is merely mediocre.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jun 6, 2019

Yi Mou does show his undeniable expertise in the spectacularly mounted warfare sequences that can rival anything you saw in the Lord of the Ring movies. The wonderfully choreographed martial arts sequences are heartstopping...

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 25, 2019

Despite its flaws, Curse of the Golden Flower is a diverting enough film, just somewhat flat compared to Zhang's previous epics--a little too willing, perhaps, to let story and action cede the field to costume and set design.

| Feb 6, 2018

Zhang Yimou serves up a sumptuous sensory feast with spectacular set pieces and--crucially--the story, characters, and connection to back it up.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jan 21, 2012

Zhang's beauty is one of furious defiance

| Aug 28, 2009

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 20, 2008

Um épico que não apenas se encaixa no clima mítico e fantástico do gênero wuxia pian como ainda traz toques claramente shakespeareanos em sua trama repleta de traições e lutas sangrentas por um trono real (ou, neste caso, imperial).

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 16, 2008

Mucho brillo y color y poca sustancia dramática en esta tragedia épica que emula tanto a Shakespeare como a Kurosawa. Vale la pena sólo por su aspecto visual y, sobre todo, por la siempre intensa Gong Li.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 17, 2007

Spectacular production designs and giant CGI battles can't really disguise a soap opera plot and often hammy acting.

| Aug 2, 2007

"Curse of the Golden Flower" is, as usual, ravishing to look at, but it seems to be put together solely so that Zhang can assemble hundreds of people in stately rows.

| Original Score: C | Jul 30, 2007

Possibly the first mainstream Chinese representation of the massacre at Tiannamen Square.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 25, 2007

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 14, 2007

Curse of the Golden Flower is a tragedy in the classic sense which is as devastating as it is entertaining.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Jun 25, 2007

Gorgeous to look at and every bit as ornate as The House of the Flying Daggers. However, the dense and complex plot is a muddle and works best when dealing with the central relationships and matters of the heart.

| Apr 21, 2007

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 13, 2007

Beautifully designed, visually stunning epic with impressive battle sequences, although the soap-tastic plot takes a while to really get going.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 12, 2007

It is an overwrought melodrama set on a background of impressive beauty.This is a beautiful film, but the characters are weak and disappointing from Zhang.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Apr 1, 2007

The film may not hold up to Hero or Flying Daggers, but it contains enough of those film's stunning visual tricks to make it well worth checking out this holiday season.

Full Review | Mar 24, 2007

Every stone, every piece of fabric, every pushed-up bosom is fetishized to ludicrous extremes. Zhang apparently wants to dazzle the eyes with the visuals, but Curse is one of the gaudiest looking movies ever made.

| Mar 12, 2007

Perhaps Zhang Yimou will one day return to the sort of picture that established his reputation in the first place. Otherwise, can a Rush Hour sequel be too far off?

| Original Score: 2/4 | Feb 15, 2007