If this oddly delineated narrative often falls between two stools, then the replacement of brightly bombastic opera battles with dimly lit, more conventional action sequences is a similarly unwelcome development.
Sumptuously clothed in vintage fashion, pop idols Wu and Hsu may bring in a younger crowd otherwise indifferent to the dated subject, but their performances are unimpressive.
50
The New York Times
The New York Times
Though its reverence for Peking Opera gives the film a thinly heritage sheen, its generic mix of backstage musical and swordplay spectacular is vintage discount bin.
50
Washington Post
Washington Post
Director Gao Xiaosong doesn't do anything surprising with this melodramatic material, but the movie boasts sumptuous costumes and several nifty action sequences.
