EMPRESS WU (1963) is a 112-minute drama from Hong Kong's Shaw Bros. studio about a seventh-century Empress, "the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant," according to Wikipedia. It's quite a spectacular production, shot on a series of exquisitely designed sets and boasting a dazzling array of costumes, all beautifully photographed in color and widescreen. Li-Li Hua (THE MAGNIFICENT CONCUBINE, BOXER REBELLION), one of Hong Kong's greatest film stars, plays the title role and dominates the film just as her character dominates the court in the span of decades covered by the story. The film doesn't soften the character's ruthlessness or her harsh punishment of enemies, even when they're her own sons. Bu
Review of Empress Wu
