ninemsn

The latest big-budget film set in ancient China is a twist of action and heavy drama. As the title entails, “The Banquet” is all about opulence and indulgence. A gorgeous cast, exquisite photography and incredible sets and costuming will take your breath away.

The film’s story, and dark atmosphere borrows from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and “Macbeth”. Set in 10th-century China, the imperial family is racked by political intrigue, forbidden love and family betrayal – all the ingredients for a juicy tragedy.

At the centre of the story stands Crown Prince Wu Lan, played by Daniel Wu. After a long absence the prince is asked to return to the palace by his childhood love, turned stepmother, Empress Wan (Zhang Ziyi) after his father is killed and usurped by his father’s brother.

Zhang Ziyi, the biggest name on the bill, is absolutely exquisite as the venomous Empress Wan, who feels torn between her desire for power and her love for Wu Lan (who is actually four years her senior). Zhou Xun is also lovely as the Ophelia figure. Her pure love for the Prince acts as a foil to Empress Wan’s manipulative scheming.

An unsettling wind perpetually blows through the palace and the film and is often the only sound to fill tense silences between the tortured characters. There is nothing light about this and at almost two and a half hours you may find yourself getting squirmy. But the magnificent palace, ornate costuming, beautifully choreographed fight and dance scenes, make up for an experience that is operatic in its grandness.

ninemsn’s MovieFix, December 2007.