It is a tragedy and to an extent, a comedy. Because it is funny that director Zhang Yimou does not understand that endlessly long battle scenes with blinding golden sets can be boring. Although metaphorically, golden flowers may signify the fragile and imperfect royal family, an over used idea is as good as not making sense at all. It is a meaningful script that makes a film worthwhile and not impressive casts, costumes and CGI. However, I must admit that Curse of the Golden Flower has its moments. I am not refering to the over-flowing bosoms although those are sinfully enticing.
A Shakespearean-type tragedy, which is the spirit of this film is true of a power-seeking man to not even trust his wife and sons. Take away the exaggerrated costumes and armors, we have a neglected and demanted wife who desires the company of her step son. She plans to overthrow her husband's rule by emotionally blackmailing her biological son to revolt agaisnt his own father. A husband who runs his kingdom with an iron fist leads to his own destruction. The forgotten and unloved youngest son plots to seek revenge by killing the eldest crown prince. While on the other hand, the crown prince is a useless and horny coward.
Bring all these characters together, we have a comical tragedy. A whole lot of mess here and only if Zhang Yimou didn't spend ample time and effort on special effects and perfecting golden flowers; do away with countless lengthy scenes of exquisite palace life, but injected in more characterisations and down play the stereotypes of a dysfunctional family, he would have directed a golden film.
Fine, I give credit where it is due. Eragon, the novel was written by 15 year old Christopher Paolini. He is 22 now and is about to complete book 3 of the Eragon trilogy. I would say that Jeremy Irons who plays a defeated dragon rider and mentor to Eragon, Brom saved the movie where acting is concern. John Malkovich had way too little scenes to do anything else but to be desperately angry.
This is a typical story of a poor farm boy who is called to an unwanted adventure, like that of Luke Skywalker. However, he is destined to unite mankind against evil. He is bestowed with powers or force and in the case of Eragon, a dragon named Saphira and a magic sword, Zaroc. It also reminds me of Spiderman whereby Peter Parker caused the death of his uncle because he let free a robber who came into his path. The robber took money from a manager who refused to pay Peter the agreed sum. Now, we have Eragon who by chance found a dragon egg that brought upon death to his uncle when the cruel king, Galbatorix (John Malkovich) ambushed his house looking for it and his uncle died in his stead. I somehow find this idea to be cliche. And so, the adventure of Eragon and Saphira continues.
I admit that there is one scene from the film that I personally find emotionally evoking. Brom suffers a deadly wound as a result of Eragon's arrogance. And Saphira intimated to Eragon that as a dragon rider, Brom is to die with pride. Brom was placed on Saphira and they both took off into the air with grace and finally, Brom exhaled his last breath on the back of a dragon.
Meaningful battles, if there is such a sad irony. A Battle of Wits speaks of the Mozi philosophy of universal love and inaction. Set during the period of the warring states in China, men, women and children served the warlords and kings like slaves. Every state wants to defeat the other. Battles in the name of peace, were inevitable. As Mozi Ge Li, the lead character of this film said, "Is there anyone who dies in a war that is not innocent? Isn't an enemy human too?"
Mozi Ge Li was stationed to defend the tiny City Liang against the attacks of the State of Zhou. Through this battle, he realises that war will not lead to peace because as his enemies perished in the flames of his wits, so did his soul.
I recommend this film to people who care enough about peace, unity and love. Even if you don't like Andy Lau or are of the opinion that he is over rated, this film has strong story depths that gets you thinking about the world and its currently warring state.
It is a tragedy and to an extent, a comedy. Because it is funny that director Zhang Yimou does not understand that endlessly long battle scenes with blinding golden sets can be boring. Although metaphorically, golden flowers may signify the fragile and imperfect royal family, an over used idea is as good as not making sense at all. It is a meaningful script that makes a film worthwhile and not impressive casts, costumes and CGI. However, I must admit that Curse of the Golden Flower has its moments. I am not refering to the over-flowing bosoms although those are sinfully enticing. 
Fine, I give credit where it is due. Eragon, the novel was written by 15 year old Christopher Paolini. He is 22 now and is about to complete book 3 of the Eragon trilogy. I would say that Jeremy Irons who plays a defeated dragon rider and mentor to Eragon, Brom saved the movie where acting is concern. John Malkovich had way too little scenes to do anything else but to be desperately angry. 
Meaningful battles, if there is such a sad irony. A Battle of Wits speaks of the Mozi philosophy of universal love and inaction. Set during the period of the warring states in China, men, women and children served the warlords and kings like slaves. Every state wants to defeat the other. Battles in the name of peace, were inevitable. As Mozi Ge Li, the lead character of this film said, "Is there anyone who dies in a war that is not innocent? Isn't an enemy human too?" 