A great introduction to Chinese cinema

Rating: 9/10 (19 February 2009)

This was my introduction to Chinese martial arts films so when I first saw it I had no idea what to expect, I just knew it had raked in quite a few awards. I really enjoyed it from the start although I must admit that I was somewhat surprised by the gravity defying fight scenes although they were easy accept once I'd realised such action was just part of the genre.
The film opens with Li Mu Bai, a martial arts master played by Chow Yun Fat, giving his sword to Yu Shu Lien the wife of his late brother played by Michelle Yeoh, so that she can take it to Peking and give it to his old friend Sir Te as he wants to retire from fighting. Soon after Governor Yu and his family come to Peking and the sword is stolen by a mysterious stranger who appears to be part of the Governor's retinue. Yu Shu Lien befriends the governor's daughter Jen, played by Zhang Ziyi, who is due to be married but would rather become a fighter like Yu Shu Lien. As the story progresses Li Mu Bai returns and believes his nemesis Jade Fox is involved in the theft of the sword and sets out to find her. Tied in with the action plot there is also a romance involving Jen and a desert bandit called Lo, also known as Dark Cloud.
The acting was very good through out, especially Zhang Ziyi's portrayal of Jen who I considered to be the main character despite her not getting top billing, I suppose that is down to her being a less established actress at the time it was made. The cinematography was excellent showing a variety of stunning Chinese scenery varying from a bare desert to a beautiful bamboo forest. As one would expect the fighting scenes are very well choreographed less expected were the moments of humour which I felt added to the film. I would certainly recommend this film; I enjoyed it enough to seek out other examples of the genre.