miksang
12Nov11
It's the brash sounds of North-central folk music that you hear. The sound is one of the archetypes of Chinese music, but is region-specific to the arid highlands around the Yellow River (Shaanxi, etc).
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Edward Copeland
15Mar12
One of the two best collaborations between director Zhang Yimou and actress Gong Li, ably supported by a great ensemble of actresses. While ultimately heartbreaking and tragic, the film also manages to be riveting entertainment. Its look at the plight of women in China in the '20s has echoes everywhere, even in U.S. politics today. http://eddieonfilm.blogspot.com/2011/03/desperate-concubines.html
Nathan Deming
25Oct11
I saw this a few years ago and just found out the title by accident today. What a beautiful, rhythmic film. I think I use beautiful in all my comments. But this was a really beautiful movie.
ramosbarajas
16Sep11
It is, in a way an extensive sociological study of these sister-wives, who, with nothing else to do, compete for the attention of their husband, and the little perks that come with it. Such is the reasoning behind their actions that have tragic and drastic consequences. Beautifully shot, complex characters, and a wonderful cast that keep the viewer entranced in the story of these women.
Jarrett
30Aug11
I am wondering if anyone could enlighten me about the music in this film -the cacophonous texture of the gongs and cymbals that punctuate the soundtrack. I know I have heard similar use of cymbals in other Chinese films, does it have its roots in traditional Chinese music? If so, what is it called? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
AntioneOscar69
27Apr11
An excellent film; engrossing, vividly acted, directed, shot and written. Set in 1920s China, but containing timeless and universal explorations of conformity, roles for women in a male dominated society, and petty jealousy and backstabbing.
ramosbarajas likes this
Harry Rossi
3Apr11
Absolutely gorgeous use of color. The cinematography is awesome. The entire film is also quite amazing with some amazing performances, especially from Gong Li. Highly recommended. Yimou is a fantastic director.
Jordi Minguell
1Apr11
Gracias a esta película empezó mi idilio con el cine asiático, en general, y con Gong Li en particular.
soiwaswrong
31Mar11
Why there is something special about Asian actors?. Especially Gong Li, the way she throw things and wipe her tears is just so classy and delicate... An oppressive films about women, well executed and directed by Zhang Yimou, definitely a 5 star!!!
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VENIMOS LOS JODIMOS Y NOS FUIMOS
7Aug10
Zhang Yimou en estado puro. Uno de los màs impresionantes ejemplos de la calidad alcanzada por la llamada Quinta Generaciòn del cine chino en los 90. Deslumbrante en el aspecto visual y de notable complejidad, siguiò la linea de los trabajos anteriores de Yimou, una dura critica a las muy arraigadas tradiciones machistas del pais asiatico, ademas de confirmar el gran talento del cineasta. La musica es excepcional.
Antoine Tremblay
19Jul10
Still amazing after all these years. Poetry in motion, one of the true great films of the 90s.
Josel Garlitos
5Mar10
loved this! yimou's shots are imposing, very claustrophobic, making the movie much more tense in a way
