I am completely enthralled by this extraordinary movie. The cinemotography, sets, costumes, music, story, writing, directing, acting etc. are perfection. In my opinion, Maggie Cheung and Vivien Wu stole with the performances of astonishing power! They are consumed by the real characters in ways that few actors ever are. One of the best films in history!
shareI agree, the film really captures the time period.
shareTime period yes; accuracy, no. It was designed to make Chiang Kia-Shek look cold and impotent, doesn't mention Mao skulking about doing nothing the entire war, and keeps Zhou Enlai completely out of the picture as well.
And what about the 3 brothers of the Soong sisters, as politically active as the ladies?
Don't get me wrong: I adore this film. I'd watch anything with Michelle Yeoh OR Maggie Chung, OR Jiang Wen: getting all three is a helluva bonus. And everything you say about the cinematography and look is true.
But because of the politics of 1997 China, accurate to what really happened, it ain't.
..Joe