Curse of the Golden Flower

Directer Yimou Zhang and cinematographer Xiaoding Zhao set this film in the 10th century with the tale of deception and betrayal that pits emperor( Yun-fat Chow) against empress (Li Gong ) and father against son.
The old Chinese saying “Gold and jade on the outside , rot and decay on the inside” goes perfectly with the film's theme.
Quoted that this film has excellent contrast and high definition.
Zhao use gold , red and pink to show imperial colors in Chinese tradition , they are use as key tones during the production. Quoted “ we made them even stronger and more saturated during the digital intermediate. He said he eschewed filters on the lens.

The camera movement had reflected the sense of crisis and instability gripping the kingdom. The dramatic scenes feature formal symmetrical compositions that suggest the highly regimented protocol dictated royal tradition. In the American Cinematography magazine.
My favorite shot in this film was when the emperor had tried to force his wife to drink the poisonous drink but it ended up falling on the table and the liquid stained the wood table into a flower. The background then faded out into a white and black surrounding except for the stain which slowly transform into a red chrysanthemum making it look like real fresh blood. Zhao said “the color transition express the idea of opulent surface being peeled off. All the glory and power is gone, leaving only evil to continue.”