I remember contributing to columns of a website called funkygrad.com, during the days when I was an undergrad, and just after graduation.
Sometimes I wrote movie reviews, sometimes opinion articles. Click to see one I wrote about censorship.
This was my first foray into writing for a public audience. Now I’m back again after a hiatus.
Not sure why but there has been an onslaught of Chinese period flicks, and I recently caught An Empress and The Warriors.
I was queuing at the box office when some guys behind me were saying that their friend strongly advised against watching this particular one. Saying how lousy and so not up to standard it was. A flash of worry crossed my mind. Nevermind, stick to my plan, I told myself. And I was glad.
At times the heroine, played by Kelly Chen, was in some facial and verbal contortions, struggling with some emotions and tones. But generally, I felt that she portrayed a typical princess who was thrown into the deep pit when her father was prematurely murdered.
Doing her best to be a strong leader of men, FeiEr was always putting a brave front, and pinning to be just a lady. In comes a handsome lad played by Leon Lai to the rescue. His character is the retired killer swordsman who has given up his sword for the medical field as a hermit countryside healer.
Donnie Yuen is the good kind elderly brother type who gave up his chance to rival Leon Lai’s affections for the lady. A very Type A kinda guy who defends Yan country till his last breath, a one man rambo with swords. Last scene he kills at least 50 men, before dying.
Good show, I must say. No regrets watching.
My rating system in words:
1/5 stars – No loss if you leave the theatre before show ends
2/5 stars – Forgettable, can sleep through and wake up intermittently
3/5 stars – Hey, not bad. Money’s worth.
4/5 stars – Will tell friends to watch.
5/5 stars – Gonna get the dvd.
Based on actor’s star power, acting chops, cinematography, screenplay, direction, costumes, plot, movie score.
