Zhong Yimou is the best director at capturing the brutality and the devious character of Chinese courts (thrones) where a brother or relative of an Emperor can kill them and place themselves on the Dragon Throne. In China the length of any leaders rule depends on the skill of those who plot against him. In Shadow, his most recent film, the brutality of the killing and height of betrayal reach their zenith. You know his films will leave you with the feeling you spent some time in an abattoir. Over the years of watching his films you’ve come to expect unsavory experiences, but this has more blood and gore per celluloid frame than any other. There is a darkness like the paintings we have learned to identify with certain periods of Chinese history. I usually don’t recommend pictures that can gross you out. But just think how Xi Jinping had to fight his way up to the premiership, while Donald Trump had everything handed to him. If you put the two of them in a locked room I have no question who would emerge alive. And it wouldn’t be the guy with the biggest mouth. See this movie and gain a little insight into the “Middle Kingdom.” We will end up shining their shoes.
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