The spectacular pageantry of vibrant colors in the ornate costumes and flamboyant sets is dulled by the uninteresting soap opera-style script. Based on Cao Yu IIs play Thunderstorm, Curse of the Golden Flower spotlights betrayal, deceit and illicit passion run amok in the 10th-century Tang dynasty. The unruly emperor (Chow Yun-Fat) is poisoning his wife; meanwhile, shes sleeping with her stepson and plotting revenge. Although director Yimou Zhang has an impeccable track record for making compelling and visually stunning martial arts epicslike House of Flying Daggers and Herothis is a misfire.