Having an overnight job often means catching the movies and shows on TV that you normally don't see everyday. Though most of the time it means that you end up watching some horrific piece of dreck like The Gate (starring a very young Stephen Dorff, by the way), sometimes you actually get to see something worthwhile. Luckily, this was one of those times.

The Emperor's Shadow was the most expensive movie ever made in China when it was released in 1996. It is a sweeping epic of a tale dealing with the rise of the first Chinese emperor, Ying Zheng. The real Ying Zheng ruled China around 200 B.C. Though the better known film, The Emperor and the Assassin also tells the story of Ying Zheng, the two films are very different. The only similarity between them is that it is about Ying Zheng and it occurs in the same time period. This movie is not just a rehash of the same story, but tells his tale from a completely different perspective.

Ying Zheng, the king of the Qin in China, feels mandated by god to unite all the seven kingdoms of China under his rule and is willing to do this by any means necessary. In order to accomplish this, he believes that he needs a proper anthem for his new empire. And there is only one man who can do it, Gao Jainli, a famous musician and composer, as well as an old childhood friend. However, Gao Jainli is also a member of the Yan kingdom and watching the king slaughter his entire people naturally has him extremely upset, so he is very unwilling to serve the future emperor's needs. He consistently thwarts Ying Zheng's plans, breaks the kingdom's laws and acts as the voice of dissension throughout the king's rise to power.

Ying Zheng enlists the help of his daughter, Yueyang to convince Gao Jainli to help him and trouble soon ensues. The pair fall in love and that ends up putting a major cramp in the king's plans for domination. His advisors and especially Yueyang's fiancee are up in arms about the illicit affair and want to see the proper punishment meted out.

However, the king is torn between his duties as king and his love for his daughter and for Gao Jainli, a man who he considers to be a brother. But despite this love, he still is unafraid to use them like chess pieces to further his own ends. In the end, he must choose between them and his dream of uniting China and he has to come to terms with the sacrifices he makes in order to achieve it. Whether gaining an empire was worth everything had to lose on the way is debatable, especially considering in reality, Ying Zheng's Chinese empire only lasted for 15 years before it was overthrown.

One of the strongest parts of the movie is the way the relationships between the main characters are portrayed. The love story between Gao Jainli and Yueyang is extremely touching and believable. Despite the fact that you know that they are doomed from the beginning, one can't help but wish that there was a way for them to find a way to be together.

Likewise, the relationship between Ying Zheng and Gao Jainli also has such an amazing dynamic, that you are instantly caught up in it. Though he may often seem heartless and despite some hideous punishments, the emperor's love for his brother cause him to continually give his "brother" countless second chances, despite Gao Jainli's scorn. This gives a much more human side to the ruthless conquerer.

The visual look of the film in general is also stunning. It's easy to see why this was such an expensive picture to make. 200 BC China truly comes to life in this film in all it's dirty, yet overwhelming magnitude. China at this time is not comprised of the lush palaces of the Forbidden City, but it is still impressive. Those who don't like violence should be forewarned, though. There's plenty of blood, brandings, beheadings and interesting deaths of all kinds (including one man being drawn and quartered) sprinkled throughout. It is not for the faint of heart.

In general, this was certainly a welcome suprise to pop on the TV screen and I'd especially recommend anyone who enjoys historical dramas, Chinese history or foreign films to make an effort to seek this one out. You won't be disappointed.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age