Temptation of a Monk (1998)

Near the beginning of the Tang dynasty in 7th century China General Shi Yansheng is tricked into leaving the crown prince unguarded The crown prince is murdered by one of his brothers who then becomes emperor Shi retreats to a monastery perhaps to hide perhaps to plan a coup When his loyal troops as well as the princess he desires are slain he seeks refuge in a remote abandoned monastery where an aged abbot schools him with practical earthy teachings The emperors forces pursue Shi first a woman then a general seek to overpower him with lust and might Over the course of the film the reds of battle give way to blues of meditation