The Magnificent Concubine

A stately, gorgeously photographed court tragedy that unfolds with slow ceremonial gravity toward an inevitable, heartbreaking doom.

Directed by

Li Han-Hsiang

Genres

Drama, History

Starring

Li Li-Hua, Yan Jun, Yang Chi-Ching

Overview

Perhaps the most notorious concubine in Chinese history, Yang Guifei set a pudgy standard of beauty in her days of glory during the Tang dynasty. The Emperor Minghuang was so besotted with the woman that when An Lushan stages his rebellion against the empire, the ruler takes Yang Guifei along with his imperial entourage in an escape to the mountainous area of modern-day Sichuan, and sanctuary of sorts. But the concubine had roused the jealousy of the court and unfortunately for her and to the great sorrow of the king, her brother and others among the king's retainers demanded she be strangled to death while they were still in the mountains. This is the story told in this interesting Taiwanese adaptation by director Li Han-hsiang (Li Hanxiang).

How it feels

Melancholic, romantic, tense and earnest. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Love, power, betrayal, fate

Content

Mild violence and sexual content. No gore or swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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