Despite a confused screenplay that suggests some major missing chunks in the film, the powerful visual aspects of Temptation of a Monk outweigh the shortcomings of storytelling. This Hong Kong film directed by Clara Law is a tale of redemption concerning a Chinese general of the Tang Dynasty who betrays his Prince when he is told of a coup to depose him. The supposed bloodless takeover doesn't occur the way the rival  has promised and the general must flee with a price on his head because he refuses to embrace the new order.
     There are several battle scenes beautifully shot. Law uses slow motion to achieve startling effect, liberally borrowing from Kurosawa's use of it in Ran. From battle to the erotic to the religious, Law finds fresh angles and lighting to powerfully embellish one man's journey.

    Though composed for 1.85:1 and presented at 1.33 there are very few scenes that feel pinched. Characters are never left talking to the wind. Color reproduction is quite good. Beware titles with a semi-transparent black background. They are disconcerting to say the least. The sound is recorded Dolby Digital 2 channel. Dialogue is in Mandarin with no alternate titles available.

The Feature Archive has articles ranging from John Ford to Blonde Bimbos, The Heistmasters and Frank Darabont.

Click on the image above for as original view of Akira Kurosawa's work. 
Check out the  Movie Poster   Archive for short bios and images of Susan Hayward, Kirk Douglas, Katharine Hepburn and many more. This month's featured star is  Clark Gable.
Check out the  Movie Poster   Archive for short bios and images of Susan Hayward, Kirk Douglas, Katharine Hepburn and many more. This month's featured star is  Clark Gable. 

Check out the Movie Poster   Archive for short bios and images of Susan Hayward, Kirk Douglas, Katharine Hepburn and many more. This month's featured star is  Clark Gable.

Imaging Science Foundation promotes proper standards in home theater viewing. ISF trained technicians offer monitor calibration services to consumers. The difference in a  properly calibrated monitor can be astounding. Click on the image to find an ISF member near you.

Home Theater Reference Reviewing System

When you read a DVD review it's of utmost importance to know what equipment is being used to evaluate quality. Click on the projector to find out more.

HOT LINKS
DVD Verdict
They may be judgmental, but that's the point, isn't it. Lots of DVD reviews plus news and more

The Home Theater Forum
Looking for lively and helpful exchanges on home theater, DVD, movies. Visit this friendly site and get a hardy welcome.