Kings. Aren't they great? We should go back to the days of dynasty and emperors! Are you the king? Do you think your sons wife is sexy? Give him a new wife and take her for your own, cause, why not? Are you one of the kings many concubines / sons / followers? Make promises and alliances and break them as you wish to further your own ends, cause, why not?
After watching this movie, I had not one shred of respect for any of the characters who are all self serving and mostly insane. Is this a Chinese problem? Of course not. Go back and read the history of the Roman Empire or the British Empire. This story has played out for as long as someone has said, "Long Live The King! (or in this case, Emperor)".
People lie, cheat, murder and steal to keep their place or get what they want and no amount of nice background music or setting up of events to gain sympathy for the characters made me like them. The Emperor is a pig and his words mean nothing. He disposes of people because his libido tells him to and that's about it.
The main character is the new concubine, who could get some sympathy in the story, being, as she is, fairly powerless to get what she wants out of life, and, of course, not going along with the wishes of the king (emperor) will simply get you killed.
If you want to be depressed and hate people, watch this movie.
