A message of being true to your inner self

Rating: 10/10 (24 December 2000)

A truly "experiential" movie. Surprisingly, I felt rather removed from the characters, but I think that someone who understands the Chinese culture and spiritual beliefs would feel extremely connected to it. I was VERY impressed by the martial arts scenes which were ballet like and breathtaking in their beauty and intensity. But I think that if this movie were in English or was dubbed rather than subtitled, I would have been sound asleep. Yet, I gave it a "10" Thinking back on it, I don't think I'll ever forget it. The directing is flawless as is the cinematography and the story makes a lot of sense. I guess I might equate it with a Van Gough painting. I can appreciate it as a masterwork but it's not my favorite style of art. I'd suggest that anyone planning to see it, see it on the big screen. I don't think it will be the same on video.