The Banquet

MA15+ (Strong violence)

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The Banquet (Ye yan) is a loose adaptation of Hamlet and is set in 10th Century China during the period of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, when dynasties succeed each other rapidly in the north and a dozen independent states vie with one another in the south. Meanwhile, the neighbouring Khitan Empire is on the prowl in Manchuria, ready to conquer China when the moment arises.

Against this background of internal turmoil and external threat, lives Empress Wan (Ziyi Zhang). As beautiful as she is young and as limber as she is smart, she harbours forbidden desires for her stepson, Prince Wu Luan (Daniel Wu), an introverted and melancholic young man who shies away from the palace to indulge in the ancient art of music and dance

When the Emperor dies suddenly and his virile younger brother, Li (Ge You) takes the throne, Wan marries Li to protect Wu Luan and seal her own position in the court. But Li is no fool, however infatuated he might be with his sister-in-law; he only pretends to buy into her scheme to consummate his lust. Oblivious to Wan, he despatches his guards to kill Wu Luan.

Already devastated by his father’s death and stunned by his stepmother’s impending wedding with his uncle, Wu Luan is pushed to the end of his tether when he realises his own life is being threatened. After warding off the assassination attempt in a ferocious fight scene, he determines to return to the palace and revenge himself by killing his uncle, whom he believes has murdered his father.

No sooner has Wu Luan returned to the palace than he finds himself inextricably trapped in a double love triangle: on the one hand there is Wan, on the other, Qing Nu (Zhou Xun), the daughter of the conniving Grand Marshall. As pure as snow, Qing Nu is head over heels in love with Wu Luan, and she is ready to sacrifice her life for him.

When Emperor Li proclaims that a big banquet will be held for his ministers, Wu Luan realises it is time to strike. Meanwhile, Empress Wan and the Grand Marshall also have their own plans to hatch…

Cinebuzz Member Comments on The Banquet

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why is it only on in one cinema in Manuka Lordofthemovies on 6/12/2007 at 1:32:56 PM

i suggest u all not to watch it... stickyrice on 31/10/2007 at 9:50:15 PM

omg, i've watched this a year ago.. i.am.me on 9/10/2007 at 10:21:39 PM

looks like it gonna rock...i luv Ziyi Zhang movie(House of flying Daggers)...gonna watch it... Yohyoh on 15/09/2007 at 7:29:47 PM

ahh looks good! <3 daniel wu WinterySkys on 24/08/2007 at 8:49:52 PM