They don't come much more fabulous than Zhang Yimou's Curse of the Golden Flower. I wondered, in 2006, what the critics bloody wanted. They get one of the best darn melodramas in cinema history, in the most ravishing tones colours, with the most gorgeous, entrancing sounds, and some cracking martial arts and a barnstorming performance by Gong Li, and they complain? They find fault? Surrender to Curse of the Golden Flower, the most beautifully designed film of all time. Oscar nominated (beaten by Marie Antoinette, what an embarrassment) costume by the genius Yee Chung Man, production design (not even Oscar nominated, horrifyingly, though ADG-winning!) by the peerless Huo Ting Xiao, cinematography by Zhao Xiao Ding.
Thirteen more of the yummiest film stills you'll ever see after the cut.
Echo your thoughts. It's a rapturous movie. Zhang Yimou's genius presentation of the melodrama is insurmountable here. One of the greatest sets and costumes to ever have heralded on motion pictures. It's unimaginable and practically unfeasible at Hollywood even if they've were to try. And 66 at RT blows my mind.
ReplyDeleteI can't get enough of this film. A superb melodrama indeed, and so gorgeously designed. What a treat! Love Zhang Yimou's films.
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