Best of its kind but tedious!

Rating: Null/10 (28 January 2001)

I have a new fondness for director Ang Lee's work having seen this film and his underseen RIDE WITH THE DEVIL with Toby Mcquire. I went with high hopes for this film and was surprised that it was not more dramatic. When the main characters start leaping and flying...its a bit much...but within the confines of the fantasy...its high spirited and fun to watch. The desert scene is just pure hokum and should have been excised..its just not fitting for the film. Its the best Asian film I have ever seen...but the friend I went with described it aptly as "good but boring". I have to concur...though strangely several images from it keep wandering through my mind now several hours after seeing it. The ending is a letdown. I noted the strong role of the women in the movie and that each of them in their culture was unique in the storyline. The theme...dont waste time when it comes to love, restraint is not always the best way to go and sometimes to be truly independent...you may pay a price in the end - especially if your culture in your era wont allow it. Thanks Ang Lee...I did get something from your fine film and look forward to your future efforts with great relish.