Spielberg on a limb

Rating: 8/10 (27 October 2000)

This is an incredible film: gaunt in storyline, visually beautiful and unusual in scope. There is much to recommend it. The scene of the Tai Pan's on their way to a costume party through the teeming streets of war time Shanghai is Gothic and eerie while being richly pleasing to the eye. Unbelievable work, Steve. But why wasn't it a box-office success? Easy. No warm, fuzzy storyline, no squinting bad guys-- even the Japanese are given glimpses of being human. I think Spielberg should be thanked for indulging in art and not just another money-maker. This is a visual experience with fine performances of just arriving Malkovich, Stiller and young Christian Bale. See it. It's worth the price of rental or admission.