Set in 2nd Century B.C. China, "The Emporer's Shadow" is majestic tour-de-force that captures both the epic sweep of the formation of China's first ruling dynasty and the poignant struggle of star-crossed lovers. Driven by desire to unite China's disparate kingdoms under his rule and become its first emperor, Ying Zheng calls upon his childhood friend, Gao Jianli to compose a national anthem. When Gao, now a much-admired musician and composer, falls in love with Ying's daughter Yueyang, who is already pledged to the leader of the imperial army, the lovers are forced to conceal their affair. When their liaison is discovered, Ying becomes enraged and deep conflicts arise. Directed by Zhou Xiaowen, the film boasts a star-studded cast featuring two of China's most famous actors: Jiang Wen (of "Red Sorghum") and Ge You ("To Live," "Farewell My Concubine"). The film was briefly censored in China upon it's release in 1996. (Advisory: contains sexual and violent scenes. Intended for mature audiences only).