Watch The Empress Dowager

The Empress Dowager is a historical drama film that was released in 1989, directed by Li Han-Hsiang, a Taiwanese film director. The movie tells the life story of Empress Dowager Cixi, the ruler of China during the latter half of the Qing Dynasty. The Empress Dowager is portrayed by veteran Chinese actress Siu-Wong Fan, who delivers an exceptional performance that earned her international recognition.

The film begins in 1861, at the death of Emperor Xianfeng, who left no heir to the throne. This creates a power vacuum that leads to a power struggle between Empress Dowager Cixi and Prince Gong, the brother of the deceased emperor. The Empress Dowager ultimately emerges victorious and becomes the de facto ruler of China at the age of 27, despite facing strong opposition from the conservative officials who believe a woman should not rule the country.

The movie captures the complexity of Cixi's character; she is portrayed as a strong and intelligent woman, but also with a ruthless side to her. She is seen as someone who is not afraid of using violence and manipulation to achieve her goals, but at the same time, her love for China and its people is evident in her actions.

As the years pass by, the Empress Dowager faces numerous challenges, both domestic and foreign. She has to deal with conservative officials who resent her for being a woman, and also with foreigners who seek to exploit China for their own gains. The Boxer Rebellion of 1900, which sought to expel foreign influence from China and restore the imperial order, is also depicted in the movie, as is the subsequent Eight-Nation Alliance intervention that followed.

The Empress Dowager's relationship with her adopted son, Emperor Guangxu, is also explored in the film. Despite initially having a close relationship with him, she eventually ousts him from the throne due to his perceived incompetence, and takes the reigns back as the regent.

One of the movie's strengths is its cinematography; the grandeur and opulence of the Forbidden City, where most of the story takes place, is captured in stunning detail. The costume design is also impressive, with the outfits and accessories of the imperial court capturing the grandeur and elegance expected of ancient China.

The acting in The Empress Dowager is superb, as one would expect from a movie with such accomplished actors. Siu-Wong Fan is outstanding as Empress Dowager Cixi, portraying her as a complex and multifaceted character, at once both manipulative and compassionate. Ye Chen delivers a solid performance as Emperor Guangxu, conveying his bitterness and grief at being ousted by his adopted mother.

Some critics have accused the film of being overly sympathetic towards Cixi, glossing over her more despotic aspects, but overall, The Empress Dowager is a well-crafted and visually stunning epic that manages to capture the tumultuous historical period it portrays.

In conclusion, The Empress Dowager is a must-watch for anyone interested in Chinese history or epic historical dramas. The movie is a visual treat, featuring intricate costume design and an impressive level of historical detail, and the acting is top-notch. It's a portrait of one of China's most enigmatic leaders, who was a woman ahead of her time, and whose legacy continues to fascinate people to this day.