Could this be magic? Magic has always been a subject of intrigue and fascination for humans. The idea of bending the laws of nature and achieving the impossible has captivated our imaginations throughout history. But could magic really exist? Could this be the world of magic that we have all dreamed about? There have been numerous instances throughout time where people claim to have witnessed or even performed magical acts. From ancient civilizations practicing rituals and spells, to modern-day illusionists creating mind-boggling tricks, the concept of magic persists in our culture. These instances often leave us questioning whether there is a supernatural force at play or if it's mere sleight of hand. One argument against the existence of magic is the lack of scientific evidence.
Zhang’s actors unfortunately emote to the rafters, leading to third-act demos of “acting” that put none of his talented stars or support in a good light. Chow, perhaps the ultimate figure of gun-toting H.K. action, is made to look older and gray here and appears unsuited to the throne. Gong projects fear, but her limited range in the role of Empress and her theatrical excesses look odd on the bigscreen.
With The Emperor - Chow Yun-fat The Empress - Gong Li Prince Jai - Jay Chou Crown Prince Wan - Liu Ye Imperial Doctor s Wife - Chen Jin Imperial Doctor - Ni Dahong Chan - Li Man Prince Yu - Qin Junjie. Lenser Zhao Xiaoding also on Zhang s Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles and Flying Daggers opts for a riotous use of colors, but like the rest of the project it s simply too much.
One argument against the existence of magic is the lack of scientific evidence. Science prides itself on empirical evidence and repeatability, and magic fails to meet these criteria. Magic tricks are often based on misdirection and psychological manipulation rather than genuine supernatural abilities.
Curse Of The Golden Flower
Fear and loathing in the Forbidden City! Emperor Ping (Chow Yun-Fat) returns from the wars to celebrate the Chrysanthemum Festival with the mysteriously ailing Empress Phoenix (Gong Li). Does he suspect she has been carrying on an affair with her stepson, Prince Wan (Liu Ye)? Will Wan elope with his lover, the Imperial physician’s daughter? And why on earth is the Empress stitching thousands of yellow armbands? These questions, and many more, are enjoyably resolved over two hours of domestic intrigue, double-cross and ever more elaborate costume-fittings. Back when he was making a name for himself in the late 1980s/early 90s, the Chinese dubbed Zhang Yimou ‘the peasant director’ in recognition of earthy fare like Red Sorghum and To Live. More recently he’s been riding the Crouching Tiger wave with action spectaculars like Hero. After this deliriously decadent melodrama they’ll have to call him ‘the mad king’: there’s more gold here than in Fort Knox. The palace is a gaudy bauble of lurid sapphires, opals, and jades while on this evidence the Tang Dynasty dressed for excess (Gong’s corset deserves a best supporting Oscar nomination in its own right). The series of dramatic last reel reversals would make Hamlet look anti-climactic, but the actors are definitively upstaged by stunningly choreographed, color-coordinated troop maneuvers and Zhang’s own obsessively florid embroidery. Ironically the highlight is virtually monochrome, a nocturnal assault by gravity-defying ninja assassins which feels like it belongs in a different film entirely.
Pic develops some fun intrigue when a disguised woman reveals to the Empress who’s poisoning her and with what. The plot thickens when it turns out the woman is the Imperial Doctor’s wife and Chan’s mother, as well as the Emperor’s ex-wife and Wan’s mother.
Skeptics argue that what appears to be magic is merely a combination of deception, illusion, and human fallibility. On the other hand, there are those who believe in the existence of true magic. They argue that just because we don't have a scientific explanation for something doesn't mean it doesn't exist. They suggest that magic may be a phenomenon that lies beyond the scope of our current scientific understanding. These believers claim to have had personal experiences or witnessed events that defy rational explanation, leading them to conclude that magic is real. Furthermore, some cultures and traditions have a long-standing belief in magic. Practices such as witchcraft, shamanism, and ceremonial magic have been a part of human societies for centuries. These practices often involve rituals, spells, or incantations that are believed to harness supernatural forces. While skeptics may dismiss these beliefs as mere superstition, proponents argue that they are rooted in ancient wisdom and should not be easily disregarded. In conclusion, the question of whether magic exists is a complex and subjective one. While skeptics demand empirical evidence and scientific consistency, believers argue for the existence of supernatural forces that defy explanation. Whether magic is real or not, it continues to capture our imagination and inspire wonderment. Perhaps the true magic lies in our ability to dream and imagine the extraordinary possibilities that lie beyond the boundaries of our understanding..
Reviews for "Magic Through the Ages: A Historical Perspective"
1. John - 2 stars - "Could this be magic" was a disappointment for me. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, with too many unnecessary twists and turns. The characters lacked depth and were difficult to connect with, which made it hard for me to feel invested in the story. I also found the writing style to be clumsy and repetitive. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and frustrated by this book.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I cannot understand the hype around "Could this be magic". I found the pacing to be incredibly slow, with the story dragging on without any real direction. The dialogue was dull and lacked emotion, making it difficult for me to care about the characters or their fates. Additionally, the ending felt rushed and left many unresolved questions. I was extremely disappointed by this book and wouldn't recommend it.
3. Mark - 2 stars - "Could this be magic" fell short for me on multiple levels. The writing was average at best, with cliched phrases and predictable plot twists. The characters felt one-dimensional and left me wanting more depth in their development. The climax of the story was underwhelming and failed to deliver the excitement I had hoped for. Overall, I found this book to be forgettable and not worth the time.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Could this be magic", but unfortunately, it didn't live up to them. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The dialogue felt forced and lacked authenticity, making it hard for me to connect with the characters. The plot had potential but failed to deliver an engaging and satisfying story. I was left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed by this book.
5. Matthew - 1 star - "Could this be magic" was a complete letdown for me. The writing style was bland and lacked creativity, and the characters were uninteresting and lacked depth. The romance subplot felt forced and unnecessary, distracting from what could have been an intriguing story. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this book and would not recommend it to others.