Director: Yimou Zhang

Actor: Gong Li

      Yunfat Chou

      Jay Zhou

 

Genres: Art—Drama—Romance

 

Release Date: December 21, 2006

 

Description/Synopsis:The plot is based on Cao Yu's 1934 play Thunderstorm (雷雨 pinyin: Lei Yu), but is set in the royal court of a certain dynasty in ancient China (please refer to the "historical perspective" section for detailed discussion). On the eve of the Chong Yang Festival, golden chrysanthemum flowers fill the Imperial Palace. The Emperor (Chow Yun Fat) returns from his various military campaigns with his second son and general, Prince Jai (Jay Chou). It is hinted in their brief but intense sparring session, that Jai has grown resentful towards his father and his controlling ways. However the Emperor is not afraid to warn the Prince of his past mistakes and that he shouldn't take anything of the Emperor's that isn't given to him. The Emperor's pretext is to celebrate the holiday with his family, but given the chilled relations between the Emperor and the ailing Empress (Gong Li), this seems disingenuous. 

 

Review:

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