Not just a Kung Fu Movie...But an Exceptional Film

Rating: 10/10 (10 February 2001)

I would like to start by clearing up one misconception about CTHD:
THIS IS NOT A KUNG FU MOVIE!!
Yes, the movie has episodes of kung fu in it, but it doesn't necessarily make it a kung fu movie. The kung fu serves as a generator to the movie, a backdrop. Comparing this movie to the movies of Jackie Chan and Jet Li as I have read in some of the comments is absolutely ridiculous. Those movies aren't even in the same class as this movie. One user wrote that Yun-Fat Chow shouldn't have even been casted in this movie because he isn't a Martial Arts expert. Well, that goes to show you, that this movie isn't just about martial arts, this movie has much more substance than just fight scenes. I am sure if it was intended as Kung Fu movie Jet Li would have probably been cast, and I am sure Ang Lee would have not directed it, and this would have been a totally different film, a kung fu film. Yun-Fat Chow was casted in this movie because he is an exceptional actor as is Michelle Yeoh and Ziyi Zhang.
If you go to the theater thinking you are going to see only a kung fu movie, you will be seriously disappointed and you are misinformed. If you go see this movie for poetic dialogue, incredible cinematography, a moving score, superb acting, a subtle yet undeniable love story, and yes, incredible fight scenes that are in place, then you will enjoy CTHD.
In regard to all the negative comments about the "flying people" as some of you have put it. This isn't anymore ridiculous than say James Bond jumping out of a plane without a parachute and surviving somehow or Arnold gunning down 30 men armed with automatic weapons with two hand guns. This is the movies, not real life, if I wanted a dose of reality I would hang out on the street corner and watch life unfold in front of me. This movie is a fantasy set in an ancient time, fantasy movies shouldn't only occur in the future. We go to the movies to be dazzled, amazed, astonished, enlighten and moved. These are the qualities that I found CTHD to contain. Definitely, one of my all time favorites. Highly recommended.