Breaks the mould in style

Rating: 10/10 (24 June 2001)

I find it quite hard to believe that I am actually sitting here, writing a review, that praises a Kung-Fu movie in the way that I will proceed to do. Not often do films that are placed in this genre evoke such widespread acclaim, particularly those that are of a foreign language and manage to entrance both the critics and the box office. What I will say is watch this film.
Don't let any other comments dissuade you because I can virtually guarantee that if you don't like this film, you will love it. Don't feel it is necessary to know the plot prior to watching it, although coherent and intelligent it isn't the plot that wins this film its awards, its real beauty lies in its wonderfully choreographed fight scenes and sensitive acting of all its cast.
I could go on and on, I won't, but there is one final note. Unless you find reading really distracting I would implore you to watch the subtitled version. This way the fantastic expression portrayed by the characters is not lost through the cheesy dubbing into English. Subtitles make the audience pay closer attention and this particular film deserves all the attention given and more.