Movie spotlight: "Sacrifice"

Article by: COLIN COVERT , Star Tribune
Updated: July 27, 2012 - 7:52 AM

The newest from director Chen Kaige.

hide

"Sacrifice"

Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Films,

Camera Star Tribune photo galleries

Camera view larger

0
comments
resize text
print
buy reprints

Tweet
share

email
Email share

your name

your email

recipients email

+ add a comment add a comment

Director Chen Kaige's Chinese historical blockbusters, with their opulent production design, swirling energy, vivid characters and powerfully emotional story lines, play wonderfully for Western audiences. "Sacrifice" (★★★ 1/2, R for some violent content, in subtitled Mandarin) is a relentlessly propulsive fifth-century melodrama of assassination, clan warfare and palace intrigue. The plot concerns a humble physician who shelters the only surviving infant of a noble family exterminated by their political rivals. Raising the child as his own, the doctor plans an elaborate revenge against the faction that seized the throne. The film combines rip-snorting action, crisp editing and juicy performances in a thoroughly entertaining package. (St. Anthony Main, 115 SE. Main St., Mpls., $5-$8.50. Ends Aug. 2, 612-331-4723.)

COLIN COVERT