Review: makes an amazing breakthrough in her first starring role 
Sentiment: positive

Review: its storytelling prowess and special effects are both listless . 
Sentiment: negative

Review: as claustrophic , suffocating and chilly as the attics to which they were inevitably consigned 
Sentiment: negative

Review: what a great shame that such a talented director as chen kaige has chosen to make his english-language debut with a film 
Sentiment: negative


Review: is a confusing melange of tones and styles , one moment a romantic trifle and the next a turgid drama .