Definitely ROBBED by Gladiator and Traffic at the Oscars!

Rating: 10/10 (27 December 2003)

I am not a martial arts film fan. I went because the critics raved about it. Normally don't follow what the critics say, but they so overwhelmingly praised this film, I had to check it out. They were right. People in the audience were clapping, ooh-ing, and ahh-ing at the special effects. Visually, it is a beautiful film. Dramatically, it packs a wollop. It seems like a lot of fuss over a sword, but it's about so much more than that. Why this film was not a hit in its native land, I do not know, but it is stunning. If you ARE a martial arts fan, maybe it's not your cup of tea, but to me, this one has it all. The film belongs to Michelle Yeoh, although everyone shines. This was indeed the Best Picture of 2000, and over time, the injustice of it not winning more awards will be even more apparent. The only films released the same year which come close are "Dancer in the Dark" and "Yi yi." Ang Lee is a master filmmaker in any genre (Sense and Sensibility, for example). See it.