49
Metascore
4 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 63Slant MagazineAndrew SchenkerSlant MagazineAndrew SchenkerIf this oddly delineated narrative often falls between two stools, then the replacement of brightly bombastic opera battles with dimly lit, more conventional action sequences is a similarly unwelcome development.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterThe Hollywood ReporterSumptuously clothed in vintage fashion, pop idols Wu and Hsu may bring in a younger crowd otherwise indifferent to the dated subject, but their performances are unimpressive.
- Though its reverence for Peking Opera gives the film a thinly heritage sheen, its generic mix of backstage musical and swordplay spectacular is vintage discount bin.
- 50Washington PostWashington PostDirector Gao Xiaosong doesn't do anything surprising with this melodramatic material, but the movie boasts sumptuous costumes and several nifty action sequences.