Temptation of a Monk

Original title: You Seng

1993
1h 58m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

Joan Chen in Temptation of a Monk (1993)

Near the beginning of the Tang dynasty, in 7th century China, General Shi Yan-sheng is tricked into leaving the crown prince unguarded. The crown prince is murdered by one of his brothers wh... Read allNear the beginning of the Tang dynasty, in 7th century China, General Shi Yan-sheng is tricked into leaving the crown prince unguarded. The crown prince is murdered by one of his brothers who then becomes emperor. Shi retreats to a monastery, perhaps to hide, perhaps to plan a co... Read allNear the beginning of the Tang dynasty, in 7th century China, General Shi Yan-sheng is tricked into leaving the crown prince unguarded. The crown prince is murdered by one of his brothers who then becomes emperor. Shi retreats to a monastery, perhaps to hide, perhaps to plan a coup. When his loyal troops as well as the princess he desires are slain, he seeks refuge in... Read all

Director
- Clara Law
Writers
- Eddie Ling-Ching Fong
- Pik-Wah Lee
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

394

YOUR RATING

Director
- Clara Law
Writers
- Eddie Ling-Ching Fong
- Pik-Wah Lee
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 7 wins & 13 nominations

Trivia
Joan Chen had her head completely shaved for the role of Qingshou (Violet).

Quotes
General Huo Da: [kneeling down] 19th Princess Hong-e.
General Shi Yan-sheng: [kneeling down] Shi Yan-sheng, General of the Crown Prince Jian-cheng, attends Your Highness.
Princess Hong-e: What was that?
General Shi Yan-sheng: Shi Yan-sheng, general of the Crown Prince...
Princess Hong-e: Forget it. Come drink with me.
[a servant brings them a drink]
General Huo Da: I thank Your Highness.
General Shi Yan-sheng: I have duties to guard His Highness. I can't drink.
Princess Hong-e: Fate makes us meet, never mind. Drink.

User reviews13

Review

Featured review

7/10

Beautifully directed

Though a little slow at times, Clara Law's Temptation of a Monk is a beautiful and well-acted epic, at times achieving a Kurosawa-esque level of stunning imagery and battle scenes. Joan Chen has two roles, one as a vibrant princess the other as a mysterious assassin. She is very good in both roles. This film is not perfect. The story ultimately doesn't go anywhere, for one. I must recommend it on the basis of its sheer beauty, however. And one battle scene in particular is terrifyingly beautiful. For fans of Kurosawa this is worth seeing. Others might grow restless, though.