The film promotion ceremony of Zhang Yimou's latest epic "Curse of the Golden Flower" was an occasion for laughter, seriousness and tears.

Ten top anchors from both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan poked fun at the actors, interspersed with serious comments about the film.

Then in a dramatic twist, a 10-minute video featuring the greatness of maternal love, which echoes the storyline of the film, moved all those present, including the hosts.

The premiere was held in a "palace" where most of the film's scenes were shot with its ceiling, walls and carpets all decorated in the ancient Tang Dynasty style, highlighted by heavy red, golden, green and yellow.

More than 1,000 fans, journalists and filmmakers filled the palace to capacity.

However, Zhang Yimou, the real "emperor" of the palace, did not show up. Engaged in directing his opera work "The First Emperor" for the Metropolitan Opera in New York, he participated in the gala via a telecast and sent his good wishes.

Also absent were the two leading members of the cast Chow Yun-fat, busy shooting his new film, and Gong Li, who was taking care of her sick mother.

But another superstar's appearance was a pleasant surprise. Kungfu star Jet Li brought tears to some members of the audience when promoting his charity fund. Part of the "Curse" box office income will go to the fund.

The film, with English subtitles, opened in China yesterday and will run for a month. It will hit the US cinemas from December 21, the same day at Zhang's opera debuts.

Zhang Weiping, the film's producer, said he was confident the film would earn 300 million yuan (US$38 million) from the domestic box office, breaking the 250 million yuan (US$31.65 million) record held by another Zhang Yimou flick "Hero" in 2002.

Some members of the audience, however, were not so optimistic, saying that the film might be another blockbuster whose publicity might not warrant its content.