Detective Dee and The Mystery of the Phantom Flame

| Release: 2010
| Cast: Andy Lau | Li Bing Bing | Deng Chao | Carina Lau

It was only a few weeks before the coronation of Empress Wu when the case occurred. First, the official inspecting the progress mysteriously erupts into flames. Then, the master of Supreme Court also burnt while investigating the case. 

The empress asks former detective, Dee Renjie to solve the case. Detective Dee has been locked in prison for years after an attempt of rebellion. However, he's still the most brilliant investigator in the country. He leads Supreme Court officer, Pei Donglai and the empress' right hand, Jinger, to sniff every possibility. His deduction brings him to the black market where mysterious poisons are traded.

Detective Dee believes that these cases are more than just criminalization toward 2 victims. It has more political agenda and he must stake his life to reveal the truth.

When I started watching this, I thought it's some kind of supernatural style of a Chinese movie. However, as the story flows, the logics start filling the puzzle inside my head. Some mysteries stack one by one, taking the audience to think along with the detective. Overall, I love the story, despite some "romance" scenes which seem underdeveloped. therefore, they are unnecessary.

I fall in love with Deng Chao's character, Pei Donglai. He's a cool straight officer who's giving his all to do the duty without being depressed. His appearance is also eye catching. You don't get an albino character in every movie, right? 

Later I learn that the guy playing Donglai has been given various roles and made a name as a comedian himself. So, I think he's amazing to be able to bring such a cool character (In fact, I start looking for his other work and his cool characters are irresistible. hahaha) 

The most unparalleled work in this movie is Tsui Hark's cinematography. He has the ability to the take the audience to the world of detective dee completely. Everything looks so beautiful and precise.

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