bibiandersen
I first saw this film about 10 years ago and loved it for its silly comedy, well choreographed action sequences, and tight plot. I watched this film again the other night and was pleasantly surprised that even though its from the 80s it still holds up. If you're in the mood for some slap stick and action set in an Opera House this one is for you. The costumes are fantastic. Although I am not a fan of the actual operatic arias of Chinese Opera and at times the high pitched tunes can get on my nerves, it is well worth a watch. It does a good job playing with the mistaken identity comedy shtick. It's great to see some women kicking some ass. If you're in the mood for an ace action comedy that was very popular in the 80s (Lethal Weapon,etc) in Hollywood and abroad, enjoy this one.
Jillers
This movie is not for everyone. If you're a fan of Kung-Fu movies, with tons of action and light on plot, avoid this movie. If you don't like stylized Chinese movies, avoid this movie. If you don't really know that General Tsao isn't just a chicken dish (a delicious one at this) then avoid this movie. For the rest of us, just sit back and watch a good movie.Granted, the acting is very 1980's Hong Kong stylized acting. If you know a thing or two about Chinese theater (and, for that matter, Chinese Opera) you can easily get past this, since the history is that of traditional stylized movements. The characters are pretty straightforward, in as far as you can get from the English subtitles, which are basic, and sometimes happen way too fast - which is why a pause button works wonders when trying to determine just who this guy is and why he's so happy.There's the girl who dresses like a man, her male friend, the girl who wants to enter the man's world, and the girl who just likes money. And you can tell one thing from this all - they are all actually strong, intelligent characters. Strong, intelligent female characters. The plot moves fast, and, if you pay attention, can really keep you on the edge of your seat. The funny moments are truly funny because they're supposed to be, and the sad moments are, indeed, sad.So, pick it up sometime if you get the chance, and you are aware of all the caveats. It's really worth the time. It completely took me by surprise because I thought it was going to be more Chinese Opera, and less movie.
devilside
absolutely perfect film-making in a way that storytelling here is of foremost interest and not just great shots and cinematography like overrated Wong Kar Wai and Zhang Yimou used to do. This film beautifully depicting characteristic traits of China like its values, culture and principles and cleverly Tsui Hark let this clashed with politics, authority and government - which the last lyrical image of the laughing Peking Opera actor beautifully addressing to that political institutions are very transient but not Chinese valuable roots and traditions.Sure, it's not evidently among Tsui Hark's bigger masterpieces like "Seven Swords" or "Once Upon A Time In China", but yet i think this surely should be compared to those greatest classics in the world but it's very difficult when a lot of people can't respect and understand Chinese traditions, so what we now have here is a tremendously underrated masterpiece that should be studied in the years to come, because is very inspirational how to tell a story in a visual way. Peking Opera Blues is the perfect paradigm.I'll never forget this truly great film.
FilmLabRat
Really enjoyable film in so many ways ... funny, clever, exciting, thrill ride from start to finish. What the plot is or means we may never exactly know [what is that coveted document everyone is willing to die for, anyway? and how is the second general connected to the first?], but we get the basic story idea. Subtitles are such poor translations to make them added humor. I know this doesn't sound like a winner, but trust me - a bonafied "don't miss" feature.
AD
