The Film
The Coen Brothers are known for their off-beat films, so when it was announced that their Blood Simple would be remade by House of Flying Daggers director Zhang Yimou it aroused interest. The result is a confusing story, and while it looks good, A Woman, A Gun and a Noodle Shop is basically lost in the translation. The story tells of an abused woman in a loveless marriage and a series of plots and schemes by her and her husband, which results in a high body count but little payoff.
The Picture
Director Zhang Yimou does Chinese period films very well, and while this one has a story that falls flat, it looks simply breathtaking. It is filled with vibrant colors, contrasted with the plain earth tones of the barren land and deep rich blacks of the nighttime sequences. The 1080p 2.40:1 presentation on Blu-ray is simply top notch, free of any flaws or inconsistencies what so ever. It is a beautiful film to see, and is one that can show off a large screen TV with Blu-ray very well.
The Sound
While it looks good, it sounds even better - almost to the point of being a little over the top. Zhang really works the sound in his films, and from sequences of swords swooshing through the air, noodle dough being prepared and cooked, and of course the blasts of the title "gun," this one is never short on sound that attacks you practically from all directions. The Chinese Mandarin comes through the center channel just as clear, but it is really those sound effects, as well as the subtle ambient sounds that get the notice.
The Extras
Here is one of those films that is short and simple (and maybe too simplistic without enough character or plot development), yet offers so much in the way of extras that you wonder why the film didn't turn out better. In fact, whilst the movie is just 90 minutes there are more than 100 minutes of bonus materials focusing on the production and making of the film including looks at the casting, the styling of the cast and other material that it is almost overwhelming.
The problem is that much of this is actually as dull as the story. It all looks quite good, but it just goes on way too long, and no one needs to see sequences of actors joking around or worse falling. Plus with no less than four sequences on Zhang Yimou, you get the sense that these are so over indulgent that this is just an ego boost when someone knew the film didn't live up to the Coen Brothers' original.
Final Thoughts
Some films are just made for showing off Blu-ray it seems. These have scenes with just the right colors, plenty of surround sound effects and little story to get in the way. A Woman, A Gun and a Noodle Shop is just such a movie. Even more than House of Flying Daggers this is one of those that lacks substance but almost - and we do mean almost - makes up for it in style. The subtle use of ambient sounds and the vivid colors make it one to show off Blu-ray and a big TV. As it is in Chinese you probably won't have to worry about anyone getting sucked into the plot in the process.
Product Details
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