Breathtaking

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2001)

Director Ang Lee said that this is not a realistic movie and that the china depicted in it is one that only existed in his dreams. Realism (which is overrated) is out the window however believability (which cannot be overvalued) is not. There is breathtaking action that will probably sell a lot tickets but what makes the movie interesting are the interpersonal relationships and the human drama. There are simply too many plot points to go over here but there is a recurring theme dealing with how honor and revenge cause needless suffering. Where as most films are similar to novels this one is more like a poem with feeling and mood being more important than cohesion. Unless you hate subtitles this movie is for you.