Listen & Be Heard Weekly Archives

Here is a round up of three interesting titles available on DVD for rental or purchase.

First up is Curse of the Golden Flower, starring Gong Li and Chow Yun Fat. In this Chinese historical drama, political intrigue is at the center of the story. The Emperor?Äôs favorite festival is coming, and he has ordered all members of the royal family to make an appearance. All is not well behind the throne, though. More of a concubine than a queen, Gong Li?Äôs character has designs of her own for ascending the throne. In the throes of an inappropriate relationship with the queen, the royal stepson is sympathetic to Gong Li?Äôs ambition. At the same time, the favored heir to the throne is torn between his love for his mother and loyalty to his father, the emperor. Last, the youngest son, considered a non-factor, has secret ambitions of his own. The sets and costumes were opulently appointed, with beautiful cinematography throughout. In Mandarin, with subtitling available if desired.

Next is a Korean release called Samaratin Girl. Set in Seoul, this surreal drama tells the tale of a couple of Korean school girls who start a prostitution ring. If I tell any more it will spoil everything for you. The ending was weird and includes some goofs by the film crew that were left in (intentionally I hope) the final cut. In Korean with optional subtitling if you wish to enable it on your player. Hint: Check the reflections in the windows of the car during the final scenes of the movie.

Last is a film named Shadow Boxer. Starring Helen Mirren, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Stephen Dorff, Gooding and Mirren are assassins for hire. Gooding?Äôs character in the film was raised by Mirren after his father is killed. During a job, Mirren?Äôs character loses her nerve and doesn?Äôt pull the trigger. No, the rest of the film is NOT what you imagine happens next. Be aware, Shadow Boxer contains material best viewed by a mature audience. For example, Mirren and Gooding exhibit an incestuous relationship while Stephen Dorff is depicted in graphic sexual encounters. He does some interesting things with a pool cue. You have been warned. Macy Gray is in it, also.

Hope you like them.

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