Pretty, Just Not Beautiful

Rating: 7/10 (13 December 2004)

Numerous films have been made surrounding the 'King of Qin' period in Chinese history. Take a look at 'The Emperor's Shadow' for the best plot or 'The Emperor and the Assassin' if you desire the full-scale Elizabethan drama angle. This latest take is really little more than flashy CGI, wire fighting and pretty prettiness.
Scenes are little more than staging for the scene after it. Slow-motion shots and perfectly-formed tears take the place of emotion. Characters are magically whisked away to the exotic locales in the blink of an eye which robs the film of the scope attained in depicting great journeys. Hair blows in the wind. Gowns blow in the wind. Candelight blows in the wind. Wire sword fight after wire sword fight after wire sword fight. The only interesting part of the plot is the choice to film both sides of the story and even that was lifted from Rashomon.
As a piece of visual sequencing, I give it high marks. Sadly, as this is one of maybe two epic Chinese films to ever receive wide American distribution, it will be thought of by many as more than it is. Exotic = better. Look at the pretty fights. Many, many other Chinese films eclipse it in both substance and fortitude -- and not just because they're more obscure.