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Simply A Masterpiece

hyped garbage

For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

In Seventh Century China preparations are being made for the coronation of Wu Zetian, who will be China's first Empress. These preparations include the construction of a huge Buddha. As the construction is being examined the man leading the inspection suddenly bursts into flames. An investigation starts immediately and not long afterwards the lead investigator dies in the same manner. His deputy, Pei Donglai, initially takes over the investigation but soon the Empress puts Di Renjie (Detective Dee) in charge on the recommendation of the Imperial Abbot despite the fact that Di is in prison for taking part in a revolt. To ensure his loyalty she sends her attendant, an attractive woman named Shangguan Jing'er, to work with him. Soon Di, Jing'er and Pei are working together to figure out how the killings were committed and find the killer before the coronation takes place.This Chinese film features a good central mystery and plenty of great action. Of course to enjoy the action you have to accept its fantastical nature as characters do amazing leaps and spins during fights. There is also fantasy elements involving the use of mythical 'fire beetles' and acupuncture techniques to change characters' appearances. There are some good twists along the way and the identity of the killer is far from obvious without being unbelievable when finally revealed. There are also surprising character deaths. As one would expect from a big budget Chinese film the sets and costumes are sumptuous and the action is stylish. The cast does a fine job; notably Andy Lau, as Di; Bingbing Li, as Jing'er and Chao Deng as Pei. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of Chinese historical action films even though it is a bit confused at times it is a lot of fun.

The is the first Hark Tsui film I've seen (but not the first Chinese film). It's a great film - with a Harry Potter title.The mix of reality and fantasy is just right. The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed, and the special effects are visually stunning.(The story gives a plausible explanation for spontaneous human combustion.) Tony Leung gets first billing in the credits, but he's really the #2 (or #3) character in the story. Detective Dee is masterfully played by Andy Lau. All the actors and actresses give first-rate performances.The story is set around the real-life Empress Wu, just before she ascends the throne. (I have to wonder why anybody would want to be Empress - you have to wear those funny hats.) Despite the name, Carina Lau (Empress Wu) is married to Tony Leung.I hope someone who speaks Cantonese (or is it Mandarin?) can comment on the subtitles. "Chaplain", for instance, doesn't seem right.

To me, Zhang Yimou's HERO was a watershed moment: a masterful film, which features CGI. Since then, films in the "swordsman" genre, made by many of the masters of Hong Kong and Mainland cinema (Zhang, Chen Kaige, John Woo, and Tsui Hark) have increasingly, and detrimentally, relied on CGI. The ensuing films have been visually spectacular (HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER, THE PROMISE, RED CLIFF, THE PROMISE, and ZU WARRIORS, to name a few), but as films they were all somewhat lacking. It began to be my fervent wish that all of these estimable directors be given drastically reduced budgets and blue screens, and get back to the business of making great movies.DETECTIVE DEE etc has much going for it. Andy Lau Tak-Wah and Tony Leung Ka Fai are given able support from Li Bingbing, Carina Lau, and Chao Deng; Sammo Hung's fight choreography was stellar; the plot was convoluted; the anachronisms are what Giants' closer Brain Wilson would call "delicious"; and the CGI didn't get too much in the way;. All very well. It just seemed to go on for a very long time, and lacked the frenetic pacing of the "swordsman" films of the '90's.

Detective Dee is a real fun and solid movie with breath-taking cinematography from Tsui Hark, a pretty legendary filmmaker from Hong Kong.It's is a bizarre martial arts fantasy mystery film (yes). The story is both taken from historical China and derived from a novel series (series, so look for sequels). It's a frequently zany mystery with tons of twists that might have your head spinning...or you might just be completely lost. Go with that feeling and expect it.The story follows Detective Dee (Andy Lau) as he's brought out of imprisonment to investigate a series of murders during the lead-up to the coronation of the first female Empress of China (played by Carina Lau). The movie feels almost like a flurry of ridiculous events, which is pretty great and really different from anything that's coming out of Hollywood these days. To enjoy this movie, go in with an open mind and remember...it's in subtitles.