Lessons Learned from Curse of the Golden Flower
As with many movies of this genre, the outstanding aspects are the set design and outdoor shots. The colors in the former are breathtaking, and the town nestled in the mountains of the latter is a place I want to go.
Lessons learned in this movie (as always, written tongue in cheek):
Most of the Asian films I've seen are heavily, heavily dramatic. I remember the first time I saw "Fireworks" by Beat Takeshi and was moved to tears. Since then, it seems like every movie has similar feature. This is in stark contrast to the usually implacable poise of many of the leads. Perhaps this is intentional and meant to draw one's attention to the inner conflict brought about by the chains of regimented society and culture; therefore, it is best to be a little spastic in order to prevent such over the top climaxes.
Being on drugs or alcohol in an Imperial palace would be a bad idea. The volume of the colors is deafening.
There are *lots* of Chinese, and the bulk of the peons (which in this movie is 99.9%) are exceptionally good at following orders and rules, acting like ants in their uniformity and mindless dedication.
Tight fitting tops squeeze together and accentuate what Mother Nature left out. So much for modesty.
Finally, it is possible to be exceptionally controlling, devious, and demanding. You will get what you want, but no one will like you and the non-peons around you will either kill themselves or each other.
