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The Banquet (DVD) (Standard Edition) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2

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The Banquet (DVD) (Standard Edition) (Japan Version)
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Customer Review of "The Banquet (DVD) (Standard Edition) (Japan Version)"

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Average Customer Rating for All Editions of this Product: Customer Review Rated Bad 6 - 6.9 out of 10 (9)

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Lam
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September 13, 2008

This customer review refers to The Banquet (Hong Kong Version)
Not my type of film. Customer Review Rated Bad 4 - 4 out of 10
Trying hard to capture on the success of Crouching Tiger........, The Banquet fails to deliver, everything moves at such a slow pace one cannot help but wonder why it cannot have been trimmed down to shorter running time. I can understand that it is meant to be poetic but i do not see the entertainment side of it.

The wire assisted fight scenes are very well choreographed courtesy of Yuen Woo Ping but are hindered by the directors choice of over using the slow motion, further adding to the running time and preventing the viewers enjoyment.

The sets and costumes are beautiful and so is the lovely Zhang Ziyi who does a good job as the empress. Daniel Wu is another story he is heavily miss casted as the prince and the role just seems to be out of his league.

This film was not for me, i do not like having to work to understand the deeper meaning of every dialogue and the ending i just did not understand.
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Kevin Kennedy
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October 23, 2007

This customer review refers to The Banquet (Hong Kong Version)
Well-staged blood-soaked drama Customer Review Rated Bad 8 - 8 out of 10
Feng Xiaogang's "The Banquet" is a lavishly produced, star-studded Shakespearean drama about court intrigue. Director Feng clearly had an outsized budget for this film and it is all on display in sumptuous set decoration, beautiful costuming, topnotch musical direction and martial arts choreography, and skillful cinematography.

All of that lusciousness can seem like excess at times and makes parts of the film ponderous. However, an excellent script and fine performances by Ge You and Zhang Ziyi yield moments of intense drama. Moreover, Director Feng orchestrates a powerful culmination for the film.

"The Banquet" is not light viewing, but I definitely can recommend it to the serious film fan. While you're at it, I also recommend that you check out a similar "Hamlet"-inspired film, "Himalayan Prince", which manages to produce a feast for the eyes on a much smaller budget.

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K
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January 25, 2007

This customer review refers to The Banquet (Hong Kong Version)
2 people found the following helpful

 Hamlet?????? Customer Review Rated Bad 9 - 9 out of 10
this is pretty much the remake or should I say the chinese version of Hamlet...what's so interesting about this movie is the scence n all the martial arts...kinda do remind u of "the promise"...or"crouching tiger hidden dragon"...but overall a beautifully made movie...
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Rhoda
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January 13, 2007

This customer review refers to The Banquet (Hong Kong Version)
1 people found the following helpful

 Wow Customer Review Rated Bad 9 - 9 out of 10
The story is about a son of a king who was hunted by his uncle and wanted him dead so he can be king. Zhang ziyi is the widow and vowed to protect his love up to the extent marrying the brother of his death husband just to make sure that danny was not hurt. Sad ending though but beautifully done.
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Phoenix Lin
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December 16, 2006

This customer review refers to The Banquet (Hong Kong Version)
Crouching meets Shakespeare Customer Review Rated Bad 6 - 6 out of 10
Visually stimulating with similar use of color/texture symbolism as in HERO. The story is a familiar one (almost predictable)giving the whole movie a feel of 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon' grace fused with Shakespeare's Hamlet & MacBeth. The extras have no subtitles which was a touch disappointing. You don't get very attached to any of the characters because the performances seem blunted or lacking in a detached kind of way. The Prince's song is eerie & stuck with me for a couple weeks. Overall, I don't mind having it in my collection & would share it with friends but you definately have to be in a darker/mellow mood to sit through this movie.
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John Pettibone
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December 11, 2006

This customer review refers to The Banquet (Hong Kong Version)
1 people found the following helpful

 Epic Drama Customer Review Rated Bad 10 - 10 out of 10
From the first grand entrance of the Empress to the very ending this family tragedy is caught in brilliant color, sumpteous costumes, gorgeous sets, and subtle action that will keep you watching and re-watching this amazing film often. I received it yesterday and have so far watched it three times it is that entriging, and powerful. Watch the actors eyes that capture all the hatred, intrigue, pagentry and death one could ever hope for. Although lacking in lots of martial arts mayhem what does take place makes sense and moves the film along towards its violent and poisoned climax. The film will leave you questioning all the family's motives, and wanting to see it yet again. In addition a second "making of" DVD is included and watching all the backstage action makes you appreciate the finished film even more. You can not go wrong sitting down with "The Banquet"!
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Maximillian
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November 12, 2006

This customer review refers to The Banquet (Hong Kong Version)
5 people found the following helpful

 Poor attempt at worldwide fame Customer Review Rated Bad 0 - 0 out of 10
The Banquet represents Feng Xiaogang's entry into the wannabe wuxia pian club. Visuals (which do look great) aside, the film fails on so many levels. Action choreography by the sorely overused Yuen Wo-ping suffer from a lack of originality and end up falling into the liturgical dance category. Tan Dun's piano-centered music, while nice, seems out of place amidst the gallons of blood. And the performances, headlined by Zhang Ziyi and her constipation-inspired expressions, are flat, lifeless, and laughable.

Joining the ranks of Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, Xiaogang has crafted yet another martial arts film for Western consumption that looks great but is completely devoid of any real emotions or characters. In short, this film was made for the express purpose of winning awards, and Xiaogang maximizes all of the film's "attractive" points to make sure he gets as many awards as he wants. High-speed photography that would make John Woo jealous is used to the max, sets are ridiculously lavish to the point of unparalleled artificiality, and Zhang Ziyi is once again frequenly seen half-naked (nice body double though). This film is a joke.
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Rhoda
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November 3, 2006

This customer review refers to The Banquet (Hong Kong Version)
3 people found the following helpful

 It lacks something.... Customer Review Rated Bad 8 - 8 out of 10
Well, the story is quite interesting although i still feel that there is something really important that makes me feel want more from the storyline.

I believe thay weren't able to establish their love prior to Zang Ziyi marrying the father of daniel wu thats why you the movie go-ers will not be able to establish of her love is real or just nothing. The cinematography and screenplay is just perfect.
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Axel
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October 26, 2006

This customer review refers to The Banquet (Hong Kong Version)
4 people found the following helpful

 Worth watching Customer Review Rated Bad 8 - 8 out of 10
Saw this at the cinemas. A rather artistic film with lots of pretty costumes and settings: supposed to be the chinese Hamlet. There is a little kung fu action, but nothing breath-taking. Daniel was ok as the prince: i think his voice was dubbed though. Ziyi wasn't bad either, but not quite evil enough to play the evil queen.
Overall, not an action flik, but a slower moving film.
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