Even though Jay Chou is a better singer than actor, the acting in The Curse of the Golden Flower is pretty impressive — thanks not to Chou, but to Gong Li and Chow Yan Fatt.  While perhaps not among director Zhang Yimou’s best movies ever, it’s still one that gives plenty for viewers to think about.  The film is based on a Tang Dynasty poem entitled “Chrysanthemum,” and does a nice job of creating an engaging narrative in which to work through the ideas contained the poem.

It is hard to decide whether the more interesting power struggles are the political ones or the personal, mostly because the two are too closely intertwined.  There is, in this film, no personal relationship that does not have political implications, nor vice versa.  The intrigue that takes place in the various bedrooms, and in every room throughout the Imperial Palace, is complicated and difficult to keep track of throughout the film.

Chow and Gong are always entertaining to watch, and each brings an illustrious career to the table.  Neither disappoints in this film, demonstrating with great range why they are both so well respected in Chinese cinema circles.  The supporting cast, for the most part, likewise does quite a nice job.  Chou is the least impressive, but I suppose that’s alright, since the song he’s attached to the film made it so big.

The relationship between Emperor Ping and his sons is complex, and somewhat troubling.  I like the way, overall, that the whole situation worked itself out, even if it was a little bloody.  The repeated idea of “what I do not give you, you must not attempt to take by force” works itself out in a very gripping tale with lots of twists and turns, and gives the viewer plenty to chew on when the film finishes.