The Palace (2013)

I watched this movie yesterday and there is no review yet so I wanted to write one.

"The Palace" is about two friends Chen Xing and Lui Li, who are palace maids, and their relationships with the 13th Prince. This movie is mainly about Friendship, Loyalty, Betrayal and Love. There is also misundertandings and a stealed identity.

One character turns into a mischievous and schemeful woman that betrays those who trust her. I like how they explain the origin of her behaviour - she wanted to have power and freedom in a place and period where she is fated to serve others.

Another character is portrayed as a pure and innocent woman who stays true to her love and friendships. She tends to make sacrifices and resign to her fate. Sometimes I was annoyed about this while other times amazed.

I liked the evolution of the characters and the contrast between them, but I would have liked some mixings. Not black and white characters but grey characters. Even so, I think that the fact that they are black and white makes the story more epic and memorable.

What I loved most was the photography. All scenes were recorded beautifully and each frame is like a photo itself. Great casting and costums.

I think "The Palace" should be more popular. I haven't watched any of the dramas named "The Palace" that are set in the same years so I don't know if the storyline is very similar or not.

I recommend this movie.

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I rewatched it so many times and I still find it entertaining. The story isn't too dark and it isn't too light as well. I think it has a good mix of story, actors and music. Plus, the cinematography is beautiful. I even find the CGI funnily cute. Well, those scenes were supposed to be funny and cute anyways. It is very simple and it's beautiful that way.

Every time I watch it, I get the feeling of reading a book by the window while listening to the melodious sound of raindrops kissing the roof, the ground and everything it touches. When I watched it on TV with my mom a few days ago, I realized that it isn't something enjoyed with company. Just like when in that precious moment of a good book by the window and the rain plus the aroma of coffee, interruptions are unwelcomed and company are annoyance.

I read somewhere that this got a Chinese version of a Razzie, but I am not convinced at all. I mean, WHY?

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