Curse of the Golden Flower

Curse of the Golden Flower (2006) is Zhang Yimou's lavish historical epic, available to watch online on iFILM. China, the tenth century, the Tang dynasty in decline. The emperor returns from a long campaign to a court that greets him with chilling politeness.

Chow Yun-Fat and Gong Li lead as an emperor and empress whose marriage has curdled into a slow war fought with poisoned medicine and forced smiles. The empress has spent years building a coup; the crown prince shares a dangerous secret with her, while the youngest son bides his time. It all converges on the autumn Chrysanthemum Festival, when the palace courtyards drown in gold flowers and a tide of armored soldiers.

This may be the most expensive, most saturated thing Zhang ever shot: crimson halls, gleaming armor, thousands of extras, choreography that nearly overwhelms the frame. Its costume design landed an Academy Award nomination. Grab something to snack on and stream Curse of the Golden Flower (2006) online on iFILM, pure spectacle from start to finish.