First of all, the scene scheduling and contrast between light and dark in this movie is better in Chinese black and white movies.
Secondly, the staged dramatic performance is a characteristic of the films of that era.
Most importantly, the screenwriter has condensed the important historical events before and after the Hundred Days Reform into the love story of Concubine Zhen and Emperor Guangxu, which is a first of its kind. Even today, no one else can represent historical stories so boldly.
The downside is that the characterization is too facial and flat, lacking the depth of character portrayal. But these flaws will not affect the film's reflection on Chinese history. Individual lines are even deafening, such as "The Chinese are submissive and need to be controlled."
Secondly, the staged dramatic performance is a characteristic of the films of that era.
Most importantly, the screenwriter has condensed the important historical events before and after the Hundred Days Reform into the love story of Concubine Zhen and Emperor Guangxu, which is a first of its kind. Even today, no one else can represent historical stories so boldly.
The downside is that the characterization is too facial and flat, lacking the depth of character portrayal. But these flaws will not affect the film's reflection on Chinese history. Individual lines are even deafening, such as "The Chinese are submissive and need to be controlled."