See, we have this channel in my country called Celestial Classics. It shows the old Shaw brothers and Hong Kong movies non-stop. It even got Tarantino to promote it. Because of that, I was able to watch what is considered one of the Shaw's best films alongside my grandparents.

The rest of you guys however, are all shit out of luck, and I feel sorry for you all.

"You want me dead? It's true I'll die. But not now! I haven't lived long enough!"

Easily the pinnacle of Li Li-Hua's career in terms of acting prowess, playing the ruthless and bold concubine-turned-empress Wu Tse-Tien during her reign in the Tang dynasty. Her performance alone made the film worthy of a 5/5 rating, but the supporting cast was equally significant to the story, like Chao Lei as the short-tempered emperor Tang Kao Tsung, and Lok Kei as the rebellious crown prince Hsuan.

So much intrigue gets built up in seeing the ways people attempt to dispense her from the throne for their own gain, and how the empress gradually disputes the law system in a forward-thinking and tradition-breaking fashion, particularly towards gender politics. In the end, this strong-willed attitude of hers will likely be empowering for many, regardless of gender identity, so this is as a definitive must-watch recommended to anyone ready for an intense historical drama.

I wonder what was the budget of this film because set decoration looks spectacular and more detail-oriented than Li's earlier films. A worthy endeavor for the most glorious empress/emperor of all time. It's also refreshing to see Li breaks free from the huangmei practice in his palace dramas. He takes the tiniest dose of imperial harem machiavellian in The Magnificent Concubine and builds the foundation of Wu Zetian's ascend to power. Historians were always in disagreement on Wu, and Li gives her a balanced portrayal with great help by Li Li-hua's magnificent performance.

A good Han-Hsiang film, only stigmatized with having the most potential. The story of China's first and only reigning Empress is absolutely great material filled to the brim with feminist themes and ideals, and while the film does touch on some of those aspects with a great performance from Lily Hua, the film falls short in delivering a thoroughly engaging experience.

This is one of those films where I hope someone actually makes a remake of, so her story can be better told.

"You want me dead? It's true I'll die. But not now! I haven't lived long enough!"

Easily the pinnacle of Li Li-Hua's career in terms of acting prowess, playing the ruthless and bold concubine-turned-empress Wu Tse-Tien during her reign in the Tang dynasty. Her performance alone made the film worthy of a 5/5 rating, but the supporting cast was equally significant to the story, like Chao Lei as the short-tempered emperor Tang Kao Tsung, and Lok Kei as the rebellious crown prince Hsuan.

So much intrigue gets built up in seeing the ways people attempt to dispense her from the throne for their own gain, and how the empress gradually disputes the law system in a forward-thinking and tradition-breaking fashion, particularly towards gender politics. In the end, this strong-willed attitude of hers will likely be empowering for many, regardless of gender identity, so this is as a definitive must-watch recommended to anyone ready for an intense historical drama.

Another old school Chinese epic gem.

Directed by Li Han-Hsiang, one of my most respected Chinese Directors, Li, had to escape to HK due to the cultural revolution in China. Though his later films suffered due to Shaw Brother's decline, his earlier films were nothing but perfection after perfection.

I watched the remastered version and it was all but an abundant view of perfect blend of colors, costumes, cinematography, acting and direction of Chinese history by Shaw Brothers. Again, one of Shaw Brother's top production value during the beginning of the golden era of the studio in HK. Lili Hua once again shone as one of the great, legendary Chinese actresses portraying one of the most powerful women who ever ruled China. It's a masterpiece gem for the 60s era and it never gets old, a timeless Chinese piece indeed.

See, we have this channel in my country called Celestial Classics. It shows the old Shaw brothers and Hong Kong movies non-stop. It even got Tarantino to promote it. Because of that, I was able to watch what is considered one of the Shaw's best films alongside my grandparents.

The rest of you guys however, are all shit out of luck, and I feel sorry for you all.