Empress Wu Tse-Tien

Empress Wu Tse-Tien is a daring and historical biographical film released in the year 1963. The film explores the life of its namesake, Empress Wu Zetian, who rules from 690 to 705 during the Tang Dynasty, making her the only woman in Chinese history to take the throne as an empress in her own right. Directed by Li Han Hsiang- a filmmaker notable for his mastery in the creation of historical dramas- the movie provides an inside look into palace dynamics and political machinations of the Empress.

Highly revered Hong Kong actress Li Hua Li stars as Empress Wu Tse-Tien. With this film, Li effectively portrays the life and personality of the Empress- a woman of extreme power and influence, noted for her wisdom, prowess, and her willingness to ascend to power in a male-dominated society. This role highlighted Li’s acting prowess as she delivered an unforgettable portrayal of an empress who fought tenaciously for the throne. She enables the viewers to get extensive insight into the Empress's life and rule.

The film starts by veering into Empress Wu's early life as a consort of the Tang emperors as she gradually rises through the ranks of power. Audiences are given a glimpse of her childhood, showcasing the events that molded her into the ultimate ruler she was destined to be. The movie illustrates her time as a young concubine in the royal court, through her cunning and enigmatic journey in her climb towards ultimate authority.

Moving away slightly from the constraints of sheer historical recounting, Empress Wu Tse-Tien showcases the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters, providing a more nuanced and relatable human portrayal of the historical figures involved.

Chun Yen stars as a significant male protagonist, delivering a commendable gritty performance. His character's intricate dynamics with Empress Wu proves to be one of the key highlights of the film. His acting alongside Lei Zhao, who also plays a pivotal role in the film, makes for compelling viewing, together, they bring to life the enthralling story of Empress Wu Tse-Tien.

The film applies a manner of storytelling that carefully combines history with a touch of fictional dynamics, resulting in a narrative that becomes as entertaining as it is enlightening. Empress Wu Tse-Tien successfully depicts the Empress’s strategic prowess, her political acumen, love, betrayal, and her quest for power in an era that typically denied women such authority.

Visually, the film is on par with the best of its time. The cinematography takes advantage of color and lighting to accentuate the visceral drama in palace life. The lavish costumes, intricately detailed set designs, all added a sense of authenticity and grandeur, making the movie a feast to the eyes and a classic representation of Chinese historical films of the 1960s.

Empress Wu Tse-Tien is not just a tribute to the only reigning Empress of China but also a reflection upon her rule, the woman she was, and the legacy she left behind. Documenting her struggle and rise to power, the film amplifies the strength of human will when faced with political oppression.

The film is deliberate and balanced in its depiction of the Empress. It does not shy away from showing the more controversial aspects of her rule, but it also emphasizes the incredible obstacles she overcame and the progressive changes she undertook during her reign, offering a complex character profile.

The film's script is impressively tight, never allowing a loose end to veer too far from the story's heart, which contributes to balancing the emotional weight and immense intrigue of the plot. Punctuated with compelling dialogue and dramatic speeches, the screenplay lifts the movie to another level.

The film's score was beautifully composed, adding another layer of emotion to the film, to help viewers immerse themselves in the period and better understand the intense emotions and strength the characters portray.

Overall, Empress Wu Tse-Tien is a compelling narrative spun around a formidable historic figure, and presents a thoughtful exploration into the life and reign of the said figure. The film effortlessly grips its audience with its strong performances, meticulous detailing of its characters, and a dynamic script. It remains an important milestone in the Chinese cinema industry for its accurate historical representation and strong feminist narrative, championed by a powerful leading lady.