Peking Opera Blues

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Kyle M @RT77296778 Aug 19, 2026 Visually unsettling upon assimilated presentation but narratively intriguing in a slight over its allegorically sinful territory of lawlessly corrupted transition with incoherency in connective characterization that performatively showed potential as societal conduits, while managed to be worthily funny. (B) See more

Leprechaun K @LeprechaunKing Jan 3, 2026 A fast pace comedy drama wonderfully directed by Hark. Lin and Chung are both fun to watch. The flow of the story is managed exceptionally well given the chaos that pursue throughout the movie. See more

William L @RT77267842 Nov 21, 2021 A fun and particularly fast-paced combination of theatre, coincidences, humor, and drama. You certainly have to pay attention to make sure that no details slip through the cracks as the tone shifts rapidly, and both characters and subplots weave in and out of the narrative, but it's an enjoyable experience. Beneath it all is a sincere commentary on Chinese politics as well, particularly the frequent rise and fall of strongmen figures (one of whom is introduced and deposed in the first few minutes of the movie), the swirling of ideals and vice shaping the actions of those influencing power, and the difficult relationship that the nation has had with democracy; despite the actions of the protagonists, the actual steps they take end up somewhat ineffectual. Personally, I can see the appeal and appreciate quite a bit about the film, but it's the mishmash of tones and wandering plotlines (family drama, comedy, political thriller, heist film, action) that makes Peking Opera Blues difficult to get into too deeply. No shame in admitting that on any given day, the varied design could be either very effective or a swing and a miss when it comes to personal enjoyment. (3/5) See more

S R @ScottR Feb 23, 2018 1001 movies to see before you die. A quirky one, but typical Chinese bravura and cheese. Regardless, it does have some unique choreography. i don't plan to see it again. It was on Daily Motion. See more

Sep 25, 2016 This interesting comedy is about the mishaps and adventures of three women, the daughter and rebel of a general, the daughter of a opera troupe, and a thief. All their paths cross when they get mixed up in political intrigue and even some action, for a very interesting little film from Tsui Hark in his early days. See more

Jan 8, 2016 Peking Opera Blues is, for all intents and purposes, a Shakespearian farce set in early-20th century Japan. In fact, with all of the gender-bending and with so much of the story taking place on/revolving around an actual stage, it's shocking that it isn't an adaptation of one of Shakespeare's works. The comedy also works in the vein of a Shakespearean play, silly slapstick and absurd coincidences generating a majority of the laughs, though there's an emphasis on choreography and action that make it something of its own. Though the tone is ridiculously campy, this is by no means a brainless film; there's quite a bit of commentary on the performance of gender and the ways in which women have to stand up to institutionalized forms of oppression. The direction is also worth mentioning, the intricately composed visual flourishes signaling that Tsui has a masterful grasp on how to put this kind of work together . See more

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Peking Opera Blues

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