It’s official. The upcoming movie White Vengeance might actually wash away some of the bitter taste left in my mouth from the absurd history-mashing nonsense that was Red Cliff (which came with bonus bad acting!). WV is about the historically infamous Feast at Hao Gate which brought together two warring powers seeking to unite China, the Western Hegemon King Xiang Yu and the Duke of Pei Liu Bang. The official full length trailer has dropped and it looks potentially magnificent. Even Crystal Liu doesn’t annoy me, and actually has moments where I wonder if she’ll break through her vase status and actually act. If that happens I’ll be thrilled for her. I was wary when Leon Lai was cast as Liu Bang, but everything I see about his performance impresses me. I remain a tad worried Feng Shao Feng as Xiang Yu will get overshadowed by both Leon and Anthony Wong playing Xiang Yu’s consigliere. I don’t mind some historical padding and dramatic effort, as long as the movie doesn’t claim to be hewing strictly to historical text. This movie has been the surprise of the Season for me, with my expectation starting from below zero and hitting about a hundred through the course of it’s filming and promotion. The poster tagline reads: One decision determines life and death; One banquet determines the fate of the country. Continue reading →