Top Asian Costume Dramas!
The British had their turn last week. Now lets show that Asians have amazing period piece films as well! Some of these are original screenplays while others are based on classic literature, yet all of them are fantastic.
1. Raise the Red Lantern
•Starring Gong Li. Set in 1920's China, Songlian is forced to become the fourth wife of a powerful lord. This film is a very beautiful and powerful story and Gong Li proves that she is a star!
2. Farewell My Concubine
•Another movie featuring the stunning Gong Li, along with Leslie Cheung and Fenyi Zhang. It is the story of two men who met as apprentices in the Peking Opera and remained friends for 50 years. This movie has great sets, costumes, and impeccable acting.
3. Memoirs of a Geisha
•Starring Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh, and guess who... Gong Li! This is one that I could watch over and over again and never get tired of. It tells the story on how a little girl from a fishing village was forced to leave her family and immerse herself into the life of a geisha.
4. The Joy Luck Club
•Starring Kieu Chinh, Tsai Chin, and Ming-na Wen. Although not completely set in another time period, this movie takes us on a journey through the memories of four incredible mothers as they try to teach their daughters valuable lessons about life, love, and family.
5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
•Starring Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, and Ziyi Zhang. It is a story about the search for a famed sword and what surprises the two warriors encounter on their quest. Ziyi Zhang gets to show off her incredible martial arts skills as well as her emotional range.
6. Lust, Caution
•Starring Tony Leung and Wen Tang. This is a surprisingly sexy espionage thriller that just might make you blush. Check it out and you'll see why. It stars a beautiful newcomer, Wen Tang, as a charming young girl who sets off on a mission to stop a powerful political figure.
7. House of Flying Daggers
*Zhang Ziyi, Andy Lau. A romantic police captain breaks a beautiful member of a rebel group out of prison to help her rejoin her fellows, but things are not what they seem.
Share your favorites in the comments section!
I'd probably have CTHD a bit higher as it's a top 10 all-time movie for me. I'd also toss out House of Flying Daggers out there too. I thought that the costumes and cinematography exceeded just about any other movie which comes to mind. It is a bit light on the drama side of "costume drama" though!
ReplyDeleteI agree whole-heatedly, Ken! House of Flying Daggers is one of my favorites, Zhang Ziyi is gorgeous in every scene. I will add it! Thank you :D
ReplyDelete