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December 6, 2006

Zhang Ziyi – The Banquet

Zhang Ziyi is starring in another wuxia (martial arts) epic, along side Daniel Wu and Majing Wu.

The Banquet has been described as a loose adaptation of “Hamlet”; it is a tale of fate and revenge set in 10th century China. A new Emperor has usurped the throne through murder. Zhang Ziyi plays the widowed Empress, who marries the new Emperor (Ge You) only to protect herself, but also secretly plots his death with the help of the Crown Prince (Daniel Wu) and the Chief Minister (Ma Jingwu). Yet the Prince and Minister each have their own plans for the throne, and, of course, so does the Emperor. All these intrigues are brought to a climax when the Emperor calls for a lavish banquet, where the murderous plans are set in motion.

According to director Feng Xiaogang: “If Hamlet is about a prince who must make a choice involving life and death, then The Banquet is about how each character must face a choice of life or death… All are motivated by desire, but as soon as they have begun their plans must grow more extreme, and they move step-by-step towards the abyss… They do not intend evil, but turn to it out of self-preservation and ever-growing ambition.”

With Yuen Wo-Ping as the film’s producer and action director, it’s surely going to be another great action packed film.

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  • http://webjay.org/by/bgizzie/djmikeyfresh djmikey

    This is the international trailer which I hadn’t seen yet. The u.s. trailer has more action in it that I think appeals more to the american audience.

  • jules

    i might chceck it out since I like Ziyi. :)

  • JwKuo87

    Hey I just read about this on asian sirens. Didn’t really pay attention to it though. Might have a look at it just because it’s Zhang of course

  • rbx6jm7man

    I’ve seen this movie. GREAT MOVIE! Excellent soundtrack and the action is good with a dark and mysterious plot loosely based on Hamlet. Out of 10, i’d give it a 9.5

  • http://www.gamedudex.com GameDudeX

    Looks pretty cool. I think I’ll have to watch this one.

  • haz

    hope is as good as house of flying dagger

  • rbx6jm7man

    i think it’s better. the story is much more intriguing

  • http://www.erapo.szm.sk Lenka

    i cant wait, zhang, of course, WOW…

  • beni

    zhang looks so rough in this one

  • rbx6jm7man

    yea, she’s kinda hardcore in the movie. it’s not really a role that’s new to us, but she’s comes off as more masculine.

  • David

    Downloaded a copy, going to watch it when I got the time.
    The martial arts any good in this film?

  • rbx6jm7man

    it’s pretty good. it’s more dramatic than it is fancy, show-offish

  • Dexter Kanuto

    this plot is interesting, very deep, intriguing…wuxia at its best, presenting true human lessons about ambitions, desires, life, love, power and death.

  • rbx6jm7man

    ^Well said

  • KLS

    I’ve watched it, the beautiful cinematography is one of the best, even better than Hero imho. However, storyline and concept wise, Hero is still tops for me. But if you’re like me, you’d love to get the dvd for your collection.

  • http://hotsoftmedia.com/ site

    hello…

    i agree…

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