william k
This movie, that introduced the west to modern Asian cinema, is something of the Chinese version of a screwball comedy, however, it's moves on breathlessly faster, full of mind-boggling action and has a witty feminist aspect to with it's with three gorgeous female leads, Brigitte Lin, Cherie Chung and Sally Ye. Thoroughly exciting.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
William L
A fun and particularly fast-paced combination of theatre, coincidences, humor, and drama. You certainly have to pay attention to make sure that no details slip through the cracks as the tone shifts rapidly, and both characters and subplots weave in and out of the narrative, but it's an enjoyable experience. Beneath it all is a sincere commentary on Chinese politics as well, particularly the frequent rise and fall of strongmen figures (one of whom is introduced and deposed in the first few minutes of the movie), the swirling of ideals and vice shaping the actions of those influencing power, and the difficult relationship that the nation has had with democracy; despite the actions of the protagonists, the actual steps they take end up somewhat ineffectual.
Personally, I can see the appeal and appreciate quite a bit about the film, but it's the mishmash of tones and wandering plotlines (family drama, comedy, political thriller, heist film, action) that makes Peking Opera Blues difficult to get into too deeply. No shame in admitting that on any given day, the varied design could be either very effective or a swing and a miss when it comes to personal enjoyment. (3/5)
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
11/25/21
Full Review
S R
1001 movies to see before you die. A quirky one, but typical Chinese bravura and cheese. Regardless, it does have some unique choreography. i don't plan to see it again. It was on Daily Motion.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
09/13/23
Full Review
Audience Member
This interesting comedy is about the mishaps and adventures of three women, the daughter and rebel of a general, the daughter of a opera troupe, and a thief. All their paths cross when they get mixed up in political intrigue and even some action, for a very interesting little film from Tsui Hark in his early days.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/05/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Peking Opera Blues is, for all intents and purposes, a Shakespearian farce set in early-20th century Japan. In fact, with all of the gender-bending and with so much of the story taking place on/revolving around an actual stage, it's shocking that it isn't an adaptation of one of Shakespeare's works. The comedy also works in the vein of a Shakespearean play, silly slapstick and absurd coincidences generating a majority of the laughs, though there's an emphasis on choreography and action that make it something of its own. Though the tone is ridiculously campy, this is by no means a brainless film; there's quite a bit of commentary on the performance of gender and the ways in which women have to stand up to institutionalized forms of oppression. The direction is also worth mentioning, the intricately composed visual flourishes signaling that Tsui has a masterful grasp on how to put this kind of work together .
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/10/23
Full Review
Audience Member
viewed on 7/9/04 (Tues)
I used to go ga-ga over Tsui Hark's movies and I confidently claimed that he is our Eastern Steven Spielberg. I like ONCE UPON IN CHINA and SWORDSMAN. I love his BUTTERFLY LOVERS. I LOVE GREEN SNAKE. I even love a little unknown film by him called THE BLADE. I also love some of the films produced by him which have his directing style like NEW DRAGON GATE INN and A CHINESE GHOST STORY. That is of course before he was somehow 'destroyed' by Hollywood.
PEKING OPERA BLUES is an action-comedy and it was only a preview to what a brilliant entertainer Tsui Hark was about to become. The laughs and action are wall-to-wall! I was captivated not only by the sly humour but a very well-written tight script that leaves not even a second for the viewers to feel bored. Yet it is still able to squeeze in some heartfelt moments of patrotism, sisterhood love and romance. It is a great achievement in wondorous entertainment and if Hollywood has a chance to release this and his other movies in US, they will be very pleasantly surprised. Forget about DOUBLE TEAM and KNOCK OFF!
I was very tempted to give a grade A to this film because it reminds so much of all the good films made by Tsui Hark, my long lost idol. Wherever you are, idol, I hope you know I really missed movies you used to make. Ok. Maybe not a grade A but ...
Rating: A-
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/14/23
Full Review
Read all reviews
>
