Forget about Kung Fu

Rating: 10/10 (14 January 2001)

Forget about the martial arts. Forget about the gravity-defying fight scenes. Please pay more attention on Yun-Fat Chow and Michelle Yeoh, especial Yeoh.
As a Taiwanese, I am quite familiar and get used to the "supernatural ability" of the characters in kung fu movie . To me, the amazing fight scenes in CTHD are not a big surprise. I don't mean that the fight scenes are not worth seeing. Contrarily, Ann Lee is the most imaginative director on performing kung fu masters' ability. CTHD fulfills my imagination on ancient wuxia novels.
For those who don't like this film and think the flying fighting men in CTHD is ridiculous, just skip the fighting part (although I think it is good). Other than visual pleasure, it delivers a lot to audience as well. Basically, it is a story of love and suppression. From Yeoh, you can see how ancient Chinese people suppress their feelings, and how the social system suppresses people's free will.
I would say, there is a dragon (free will) hidden in everyone's mind. No matter you are a nobleman, kung fu master, or ordinary person. Jen Yu tries to release her prisoned mind dragon (desire of pursuing freedom) by learning kung fu and getting connection with bandits. Conversly, Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien plan to retire to pursue a peaceful life. However, the results are all turned out to be disappointed. The reason is that they all resist the responsibilities a feudal society gave to them.
Just like her love was ignored by most of people in the story, Michelle Yeoh's acting are ignored by most audience and critics. She conveys a sophisticated superwoman who is yearning for love very successfully. The clip of Yu's farewell to Li is really really heartbreaking and touching. I think most movie association owe her an award.
If you are going to see the movie again, I suggest you pay more attention on Michelle Yeoh. Of course, Yun-Fat Chow's acting can't be missed. In my opinion, he is the actor second to none in Asia.