Curse of the Golden Flower (2006) - Synopsis

In the spirit of such landmark Asian films as Akira Kurosawa’s RAN from Japan and Zhang Yimou’s own HERO and HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER promises to be Zhang Yimou’s most colorful and biggest production to date, fusing high drama and romantic intrigue with the best of contemporary martial arts. The plot concerns the volatile balance of power between the King (Chow Yun Fat) and the Queen (Gong Li) and his three sons, which entails betrayal, deceit and passion, pitting the King against Queen and father against sons. The glorious canvas includes many of the creative team behind HERO and HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS: cinematographer Zhao Xiading (Oscar nominated for HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS), production designer Huo Tingxiao, action director Tony Ching Siu-Tung, sound designer Tao Jing and producers Bill Kong and Zhang Wei Ping. The music is composed by Shigeru Umebayashi (HERO 2046, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE) and the costume designer is YEE CHUNG MAN (SO CLOSE).