The Kingdom and the Beauty
The Kingdom and the Beauty

Movie spotlight

The Kingdom and the Beauty

1959
Movie
100 min
Mandarin

This is a musical about a young emperor who is lured via stories told to a place called Kiang-Nan by his royal tutor. The empress mother has the tutor go to Kiang-Nan to bring him back.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Director: Li Han-HsiangGenres: Drama, History, Romance

Plot Summary

This lavish historical drama tells the story of the concubine Yang Kuei-fei, one of the Four Beauties of ancient China, and her tragic relationship with Emperor Xuanzong. The film explores the immense power and influence she wielded at court, as well as the political intrigue and eventual downfall that befell both of them due to her family's growing ambition and the emperor's infatuation.

Critical Reception

The film was a significant success in Hong Kong and Asia, praised for its stunning visuals, elaborate costumes, and the compelling central performance. It is often regarded as a classic of Chinese cinema, particularly for its grand scale and emotional depth, though some modern viewers might find its pacing characteristic of its era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its opulent production design and costume.

  • Lauded for the poignant portrayal of a famous historical romance.

  • Considered a landmark film in Chinese cinematic history.

Google audience: Information not available.

Awards & Accolades

Won Best Picture and Best Actor (Yang Chi-ching) at the 6th Asian Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was one of the first Chinese-language films to be shot in color and CinemaScope, contributing significantly to its visual splendor.

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