Temptation of a Monk

A slow, brooding plunge into guilt and desire, where battle-red gives way to meditative blue and every quiet moment aches.

Directed by

Clara Law

Genres

Drama, Romance

Starring

Wu Hsing-guo, Joan Chen, Michael Lee Ming-Yeung

Overview

Near the beginning of the Tang dynasty, in 7th century China, General Shi Yan-sheng is tricked into leaving the crown prince unguarded. The crown prince is murdered by one of his brothers who then becomes emperor. Shi retreats to a monastery, perhaps to hide, perhaps to plan a coup. When his loyal troops as well as the princess he desires are slain, he seeks refuge in a remote, abandoned monastery where an aged abbot schools him with practical, earthy teachings. The emperor's forces pursue Shi: first a woman, then a general seek to overpower him with lust and might. Over the course of the film, the reds of battle give way to blues of meditation.

How it feels

Melancholic, dark, tense and romantic. Slow-burning and needs your attention.

About

Guilt, betrayal, revenge, obsession

Content

Strong violence and sexual content. Mild gore and language.

Note

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

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