It’s 907 AD and the Tang Dynasty is struggling to keep order. Prince Wu Luan (Daniel Wu) has fallen for the beautiful Little Wan (Zhang Ziyi). His love is quashed though by his father the Emperor, who chooses Wan to be his Empress. When the Emperor unexpectedly dies, it looks like Luan and Wan can finally be together. However, when the Emperor’s evil brother takes to the throne, he forces Wan to be his bride. Although assassins are ordered to kill Luan, it doesn’t deter him from fighting for the love of his life.

Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, director Xiaogang Feng presents a lavish, historical tale told in epic proportions. At its heart is a love story, one that is beautifully wrapped in Feng’s unique vision. The Banquet is a majestic, dazzling spectacle, hauntingly scored by Oscar-winning composer Tan Dun. The movie premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2006 and went on to scoop the Future Film Festival Digital Award.

Directed by Feng Xiaogang

Cast
Zhang Ziyi as Empress Wan
Ge You as Emperor Li
Daniel Wu as Prince Wu Luan
Zhou Xun as Qing Nu
Ma Jingwu as Grand Marshal
Huang Xiaoming as the Grand Marshal's son

Music by Tan Dun
Written by Qiu Gangjian, Sheng Heyu