摇啊摇摇到外婆桥

摇啊摇摇到外婆桥

"Shanghai Triad" still is somewhat of an ambiguous film to me - I found it to be a very good entertainment piece, and visually stunning - yet there were some elements of plot, construction, etc that left me with a sense of dissatisfaction. Certainly not the best of Gong Li's work, yet a wonderful addition to her extraordinary repertoire. Gong Li is truly in a class by herself, and this movie as I said before rounds out her resume of characters which she has embodied. Her performance is the main attration to this film, and I think that the remorse which she expresses in the final sequences are heartbreakingly beautiful. Her defiant humor and cavalier attitude at the same point in time makes one admire her ability all the more. Lush and exciting, yet ultimately unfulfilling.

I still highly recommend this film to anyone who wishes to see Li in a departure from many of her other films - and I would have to say I enjoyed it very much. I think Yimou made the mistake of relying on decoration in this film far too much, thereby undermining the expressive force of his actors. A sense that much was contrived, and clumsiness abounds - certainly not up to par with his earlier, more subtle works. A movie worth every cent just for the entertainment value - with the added attraction of one of the most talented actresses the world shall probably ever know - intersting and enjoyable.