Temptation of a Monk

Director: Clara Law
Screenwriters: Lilian Lee, Fong Ling-Ching

Institute History

  • 1994 Sundance Film Festival

Description

Hong Kong filmmaker Clara law, along with longtime collaborators Fong Ling-Ching and Teddy Robin Kwan, presents a richly complex historical allegory set in early Tang dynasty China (626 A.D.), Two imperial princes scheme to succeed to the throne General Shi, who serves one and realizes his incompetence will destroy the realm, betrays him to his brother. The prince's bloody death begins a purgatory of guilt for Shi, who retreats to his ancestral home, pursued by his archival. General Huo Da Finding no peace, Shi and his lieutenants take refuge In an isolated Buddhist temple, but their pursuers are relentless,

Although this tale of betrayal, seduction and conflict incorporates the expected archetypical scenes of whirling warriors, law invokes a broader range of visual styles and narrative rhythms, moving easily from contemplative to romantic to chaotic violence, Her depiction of Tang dynasty China is detailed and exact, infused with choreographed battles, yet also restrained and subtle. Actors Wu Hsin-Kuo as Shl, Zhang Fengyi as Huo Da and Joan Chen as both the Princess Scarlet and the assassin Violet are powerfully compelling.

Saturday Jian22 9:30 am
Prospector Square Theatre

Tuesday Jan 25 10:20 pm
Holiday Village Cinema II

Saturday Jan 29 10:20 pm
Holiday Village Cinema II

$7.00

— Geoffrey Gilmore

Screening Details

Credits

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