Secret of the Treasury

Synopsis

"Secret of the Treasury" (original title: 天朝国库之谜) is a 1990 Chinese historical mystery film directed by Lü Liang. Set in imperial China, the movie centers on an enigmatic case involving the royal treasury of the Qing Dynasty. It follows a determined investigator as he unravels a complex web of corruption, political intrigue, and hidden secrets behind the empire’s vast wealth. With striking period detail and a suspenseful narrative, the film explores themes of loyalty, justice, and power, offering viewers a glimpse into the challenges of upholding integrity within a turbulent historical context.

Cast

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  Lü Liang

  Ma Liang

• 

  Ge Lili

  Yang Ling

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  Li Tian-Ji

  Housekeeper

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  Ma Guanying

  Zhang Tiekou

• 

  Zhaoan Dai

  Xiao Jiaotian

• 

  Wang Zhengjun

  Cyclops

Reviews

While "Secret of the Treasury" remains a somewhat obscure title internationally, it holds a cherished place among aficionados of Chinese historical cinema. Critically, the film has been praised for its meticulous production design, which vividly recreates the Qing Dynasty era, enhancing the storytelling experience. Viewers and niche reviewers often commend Lü Liang's direction and the film's pacing, which balances intrigue with character development. However, some critiques note that the plot may feel convoluted for audiences unfamiliar with the historical setting, potentially impacting accessibility. On platforms like IMDb, it holds a modest rating around 6.8/10, reflecting a generally positive but mixed reception. Comments highlight the film's ambitious attempt at blending mystery with historical drama, though sometimes at the expense of narrative clarity. Rotten Tomatoes does not list the film due to its limited international release, and Metacritic lacks data on it, underscoring its status as a cult classic rather than a mainstream success. Overall, critics acknowledge "Secret of the Treasury" as an engaging and thoughtful mystery that appeals primarily to viewers interested in Chinese history and period puzzles.

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