A pinnacle of visual storytelling.

Rating: 9/10 (31 March 2011)

This is a martial arts movie for people who don't like martial arts movies (I am one such person). The name of CTHD refers to a Chinese metaphor for someone hiding their strength. That is exactly what the protagonist of the movie is notorious for.
This protagonist is a teenage girl from a high-ranking official's family. Her name is Jiao Long, which literally translates to "Little Dragon". They call her "Jen" in the popular subtitle versions and the dubs, but just be aware that that Westernized version is not her actual name. I suppose "Jen" was picked both to evoke a sense of familiarity, and because "Jiao" starts with a consonant that's pronounced both like a "J" and "Sh", so it's deemed to be confusing for Westerners. But you'll pick up on this when you watch the subtitled version - you'll read "Jen", but clearly hear them call her by her real name ("Jiao Long").
(Incidentally, subtitles are best way to watch non-English-language movies - too many crucial intonations get lost and twisted in dubbed versions. Watch this with subs. Your mind can keep track of two things at once, trust me.)
Right, so Jiao Long, played by the beautiful, graceful (lengthy dancing practice in childhood), and passionate Zhang Ziyi, is outwardly a good daughter, but secretly a complete rebel. The last few years she's been studying a Wu-Tang manual on martial arts, and, unbeknownst to those around her, achieved amazing results with it. When fate (with a bit of help from Jiao herself) brings her together with two renowned martial artists and warriors, Li Mu Bai and Shu Lien, Jiao Long is extremely eager to confront these two living legends in combat - to show off, prove something to herself... and ultimately gain that precious thing - a clear purpose in life.
Here I come to the main strength of the movie, for me, at least, which is why I've rewatched it quite a few times: it is sublimely and complexly philosophical. We have a girl in turmoil, struggling to choose her values, morals, path in life. Most of us will recognize these processes and empathize with them. The interesting thing is that as she looks to the "adults" around her, particularly Li Mu Bai and Shu Lien, she discovers (and helps them discover) their many own flaws and insecurities. They seem sure and confident, but beneath the surface you see the same feeling of being puzzled and dissatisfied, searching and not finding, living by a principle and ending up disappointing in it.
The second strength is the fight and action choreography. Unlike those other nonsensical MA movies (like the Chinese Jet Li flicks and the army of Jet-Li-flick clones) which stuff your face with flight scenes and while-in-the-air tricks, CTHD's action feels more real even though it employs many of the same tricks. It just does it so much more tastefully, selectively, and to the point.
The overall visual direction and the sets are beautiful. The story rolls along at a satisfying pace, and the gorgeous backdrops and decorations aren't overdone or covering up a lack of meaningful plot, like in those House-of-Daggers-Hero-type films. Oh yes, and the music is very tasty.
Zhang is a joy to look at every moment of the movie, and the rest of the cast fit the bill perfectly. Not overacting, not being bland - just right.
A unique masterpiece.