cgtam
Joined Feb 2020
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cgtam's rating
Because I watched this with a friend educated in Hong Kong who knew this true epic event during China's dynastic Tang history, I can give this a high rating. I needed several key explanations while watching to fully understanding why / who / WTH is occurring on screen & director's sublime messages. Chinese govt oversees all films, so filmmaker cannot openly state any message. Many Imperial Palace details, etiquettes, customs, esp Gong Li's 30 lb crown dragon replica, real one weighs 50 lbs gold & rubies, are all accurate. Some ppl complain of low bust line on females, color "plastic looking" windows, & overused CGI. No one complained when an Italian director made "The Last Emperor," & Oscars reworded him, but snubbed all great performances by Chinese Hong Kong actors.
By 2002 China rebuilt part of its Imperial Palace, section of largest studio in the world. What one sees @ family outdoor dining table , grand stairs, buildings, & inner rooms are real sets- not CGI. I watched this on high def widescreen TV long ago via Blue ray DVD & recently by streaming - nothing looks CGI or noticeably fake. Imperial Tang dynasty palace @ this time was more opulent & far larger than Louis XIV Versailles. Most remaining palace treasures were stolen during Mao's war campaign & with aide of USA ships, were sent to Taiwan with General - still major contentious issue. Jade, pearls, art & gems were embedded everywhere in palace, esp royal families' private rooms. Clothing was hand stitched for YRS by many servants. Medicinal treatments shown are also accurate. Different colors symbolizes Tang dynasty, much of its colorful art & history is lost. Western Church is not the only one to use stain / color glass. Re the bust line on females gowns, ppl are ppl everywhere & this was meant for wide Western viewing.
Cast are all famous incl the sub cast & surprise appearances in plot. Gong Li & Chow Yun Fat have good chemistry & give very good performances. Weakest actor is the Crown Prince, no chemistry with Li, yet he's famous in Asia.
It helps to Google / read some history of this time in Tang dynasty; best if get real history from older person with Hong Kong knowledge bc China alters its history like other countries. Blue ray DVD has bonus features with lead actors & director giving interviews incl "making film footage" - very interesting. Sadly streaming omits all these bonus perks which would answer lots of posted viewers complaints.
After being educated by my friend, I rewatched this again via DVD next night understanding well known historical events this film is based on, enjoying it far more than 1st time despite subtitles. The ending is historically correct too.
The Oscar's snubbed this film, sole nomination was for "costume," disregarding incredibly lavish sets, vistas, plot, replica costumes created for this film that used best silk, thousands of spools of real gold threads, & opulent decor. Oscar for costume awarded to Sophia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette film," I saw that too.
Despite some slow pacing, this film is a good watch esp when U understand historical significance & director's subtle messages. Free on Tubi until 11/12/25.
If view by DVD, choose bonus feature disc to understand film's themes & appreciate all difficult elaborate work to re-create epic historic events.
By 2002 China rebuilt part of its Imperial Palace, section of largest studio in the world. What one sees @ family outdoor dining table , grand stairs, buildings, & inner rooms are real sets- not CGI. I watched this on high def widescreen TV long ago via Blue ray DVD & recently by streaming - nothing looks CGI or noticeably fake. Imperial Tang dynasty palace @ this time was more opulent & far larger than Louis XIV Versailles. Most remaining palace treasures were stolen during Mao's war campaign & with aide of USA ships, were sent to Taiwan with General - still major contentious issue. Jade, pearls, art & gems were embedded everywhere in palace, esp royal families' private rooms. Clothing was hand stitched for YRS by many servants. Medicinal treatments shown are also accurate. Different colors symbolizes Tang dynasty, much of its colorful art & history is lost. Western Church is not the only one to use stain / color glass. Re the bust line on females gowns, ppl are ppl everywhere & this was meant for wide Western viewing.
Cast are all famous incl the sub cast & surprise appearances in plot. Gong Li & Chow Yun Fat have good chemistry & give very good performances. Weakest actor is the Crown Prince, no chemistry with Li, yet he's famous in Asia.
It helps to Google / read some history of this time in Tang dynasty; best if get real history from older person with Hong Kong knowledge bc China alters its history like other countries. Blue ray DVD has bonus features with lead actors & director giving interviews incl "making film footage" - very interesting. Sadly streaming omits all these bonus perks which would answer lots of posted viewers complaints.
After being educated by my friend, I rewatched this again via DVD next night understanding well known historical events this film is based on, enjoying it far more than 1st time despite subtitles. The ending is historically correct too.
The Oscar's snubbed this film, sole nomination was for "costume," disregarding incredibly lavish sets, vistas, plot, replica costumes created for this film that used best silk, thousands of spools of real gold threads, & opulent decor. Oscar for costume awarded to Sophia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette film," I saw that too.
Despite some slow pacing, this film is a good watch esp when U understand historical significance & director's subtle messages. Free on Tubi until 11/12/25.
If view by DVD, choose bonus feature disc to understand film's themes & appreciate all difficult elaborate work to re-create epic historic events.
Live from Lincoln Center
Def Must see this unique stunning "revival concert" that's really a theatrical musical with sets & props etc. Better than Lansbury outdated stage performance. 1st Aired 2014 when pbs was free, no ads, & recordable.
View it on Utube Oct 2025 in HD. Only irritation is Utube ads. Watch @ night or before 4 PM when ads don't repeat after segments. It's SO worth it even with ads.
Emma SHINES, is spontaneous & sings very well. Terfel IS BEST Todd, his gorgeous wide range baritone adds depth to character. Teen actor playing Tobias (boy Lovitt hires) has sweet moving voice. McDonald is top notch. Great program bc entire cast are all stage stars. ALL give credible stellar acting & singing in character performances. Entire cast has chemistry incl chorus. Emma & Terfel's chemistry both genuine & fresh. Sondheim is hidden in audience but no jitters exist during anyone's performance. Revival was performed 14 times at Lincoln Ctr. Joanna soprano actress struggles few times with some highest notes.
Innovative direction, script, set, props , & costumes. Gilbert conducts Lincoln CTR philharmonic beautifully. LOTS of humor too, not just bleak dark revenge. Music / singing is SO well performed, you can listen to concert repeatedly while doing other things.
Shame these magical performances are not repeated free for public viewing with NO ADS; not sold nor streamed on PBS. Such entertaining extraordinary performances of fav American Songbook musicals should be readily available for all & future generations.
View it on Utube Oct 2025 in HD. Only irritation is Utube ads. Watch @ night or before 4 PM when ads don't repeat after segments. It's SO worth it even with ads.
Emma SHINES, is spontaneous & sings very well. Terfel IS BEST Todd, his gorgeous wide range baritone adds depth to character. Teen actor playing Tobias (boy Lovitt hires) has sweet moving voice. McDonald is top notch. Great program bc entire cast are all stage stars. ALL give credible stellar acting & singing in character performances. Entire cast has chemistry incl chorus. Emma & Terfel's chemistry both genuine & fresh. Sondheim is hidden in audience but no jitters exist during anyone's performance. Revival was performed 14 times at Lincoln Ctr. Joanna soprano actress struggles few times with some highest notes.
Innovative direction, script, set, props , & costumes. Gilbert conducts Lincoln CTR philharmonic beautifully. LOTS of humor too, not just bleak dark revenge. Music / singing is SO well performed, you can listen to concert repeatedly while doing other things.
Shame these magical performances are not repeated free for public viewing with NO ADS; not sold nor streamed on PBS. Such entertaining extraordinary performances of fav American Songbook musicals should be readily available for all & future generations.
Film adaptation of hit musical must remember it's primarily a musical - NOT dramatic near silent film. Sondheim songs give characters depth. Bad vocal, constant loud score,s & subtle zombie acting remove characters' effect & impact. Film sets & tone are detailed grim, lots monotone dark, red blood gore most noticeable color of mostly dark brown & black gothic London.
Depp, Carter & supporting cast give sporadic credible performances. Wish Rickman who remained consistent had more screen presence & some character development. Depp's & Carter's singing & muttering are weak incl chemistry which is surprising since they were a couple during filming. Depp & Carter act well during few separate key scenes but fail to connect emotionally in scenes together, creating distance. Cohen & Tobius actor are overacting, OK singing. Actress playing "beautiful" Joanna reflects Burton's love of the odd. Lengthy Joanna song becomes irritating bc words do not reflect actress visually nor screen scenes; sailor boy is more attractive than Joanna. Film ultimately lacks emotional depth esp vocal skills required for Sondheim's version of this known tale.
For best adaptation of Sondheim's Sweeny Todd see marvelous HD 2014 Lincoln Ctr pbs production starring Emma Thomas & baritone Bryan Terfel as Sweeny on Utube in Oct 2025. All leads & small parts are all stage & singing stars, incl McDonald & teen Tobius. ALL incl chorus deliver outstanding unique performances with humor, passion & characters development. Creative unique stage sets, arrangements & direction. Once U see this live theatre concert, this film is incomparable in every way. Only cons are Utube ads.
Overall, this film is barely average & becomes flat fast.
Depp, Carter & supporting cast give sporadic credible performances. Wish Rickman who remained consistent had more screen presence & some character development. Depp's & Carter's singing & muttering are weak incl chemistry which is surprising since they were a couple during filming. Depp & Carter act well during few separate key scenes but fail to connect emotionally in scenes together, creating distance. Cohen & Tobius actor are overacting, OK singing. Actress playing "beautiful" Joanna reflects Burton's love of the odd. Lengthy Joanna song becomes irritating bc words do not reflect actress visually nor screen scenes; sailor boy is more attractive than Joanna. Film ultimately lacks emotional depth esp vocal skills required for Sondheim's version of this known tale.
For best adaptation of Sondheim's Sweeny Todd see marvelous HD 2014 Lincoln Ctr pbs production starring Emma Thomas & baritone Bryan Terfel as Sweeny on Utube in Oct 2025. All leads & small parts are all stage & singing stars, incl McDonald & teen Tobius. ALL incl chorus deliver outstanding unique performances with humor, passion & characters development. Creative unique stage sets, arrangements & direction. Once U see this live theatre concert, this film is incomparable in every way. Only cons are Utube ads.
Overall, this film is barely average & becomes flat fast.