Bruce Westbrook of The Houston Chronicle though praising the film's spectacular visuals, stated "Visuals alone can't make a story soar, and too often this one becomes bogged down by spectacle..." Kirk Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter wrote the film is "A disappointing misfire from a great director." Gene Seymour of Newsweek said: "Curse of the Golden Flower is to the feudal costumed adventure what Nicholas Ray's Johnny Guitar is to the Western.
Bruce Westbrook of The Houston Chronicle, while praising the film's impressive visuals, noted "Visuals alone can't make a story soar, and too often this one becomes overwhelmed by spectacle..." Kirk Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter opined that the film is "A letdown from an acclaimed director." Gene Seymour of Newsweek stated: "Curse of the Golden Flower is to the feudal costume adventure what Nicholas Ray's Johnny Guitar is to the Western."