At the changeover from the 19th to the 20th century, the Qing dynasty is the last of China’s imperial regimes before the 1911 Xinhai revolution. The dowager empress Cixi rules the country from behind the scenes with an iron fist, although her nephew Guangxu is officially in power. Guangxu is preparing a major administrative reform, much to the infuriation of Cixi.
Between intrigues, concubines and politics, the film weaves a complex story, whose dialogues are performed by sublime actors – including one of the great stars of the time, Zhou Xuan. Zhu Shilin directs the film with an assumed and masterful theatricality, paying attention to the refinement of the decor, the embroideries, the music…
M.M.
