Temptation of a Monk

You Seng (Drama -- Color -- Hong Kong)

A Tedpoly Films production. (Intl. sales: Tedpoly Films, Hong Kong.) Produced by Teddy Robin. Executive producer, Kay Wong. Directed by Clara Law. Screenplay, Eddie Fong, Lillian Lee.

Princess Scarlet/Violet - Joan Chen
General Shi - Wu Hsin-kuo
General Huo - Zhang Fengyi
Old Abbott - Michael Lee
Shi's mother - Lisa Lu

In contrast to her contempo "Autumn Moon," which made its mark on the international fest circuit, Hong Kong director Clara Law's latest, "Temptation of a Monk," is a visually bold saga of rival generals, revenge, betrayal and love, handled with skill and excitement. With the surge of interest in Chinese cinema, this one could gain acceptance by specialized auds worldwide.

Film has a different look from most Hong Kong period pix. Law used an Australian camera team, led by d.p. Andrew Lesnie, whose use of filters gives an unusual sheen. Costumes and staging also evoke Japanese samurai movies rather than Hong Kong martial arts epics.

Set during the Tang dynasty more than 1,000 years ago, story chronicles a disgraced man's journey into self-discovery.

Central character General Shi (Wu Hsin-kuo) finds himself in a dilemma when the old emperor is close to death: The heir to the throne is perceived as weak; his brother would be a stronger ruler.

Shi cuts a deal with fellow general Huo (Zhang Fengyi, who played the macho actor in Chen Kaige's "Farewell My Concubine"), but the unscrupulous Huo, instead of protecting the rightful heir, oversees a massacre of the prince and his men.

The disgraced Shi takes refuge first with his mother (Lisa Lu, in a striking cameo) and, after her suicide, with Princess Scarlet (Joan Chen), who falls victim to a violent encounter with Huo.

In one of the film's most striking scenes, a beautiful assassin (also played by Chen) is sent to eliminate Shi. Posing as a nun, she has her head shaved before seducing him in a weirdly erotic sequence just prior to her assassination attempt.

Shot on remote locations in mainland China in wintry conditions, "Monk" boasts strong characters, bold performances (Chen is good in both her roles), sumptuous costumes and settings, and vivid action with lots of slo-mo battles.

Editing by Aussie Jill Bilcock, who cut "Strictly Ballroom," is slick, and the sound mix (also by Aussies) excellent.

Camera (Cine Art color), Andrew Lesnie; editor, Jill Bilcock; music, Tats Lau; production design, Timmy Yip, Yang Zhanjia, William Lygratte; sound, Gary Wilkins, Ross Linton; action director, Leung Siu-hung; line producer, Lam Ping-kwan; production manager, Cheung Chi-kwong; assistant director, Ma Po-than. Reviewed at Venice Film Festival (competing), Sept. 7, 1993. Running time: 118 min.

Variety is striving to present the most thorough review database. To report inaccuracies in review credits, please click here. We do not currently list below-the-line credits, although we hope to include them in the future. Please note we may not respond to every suggestion. Your assistance is appreciated.