Most Beautiful Movie Ever

Rating: 10/10 (20 February 2001)

The movie did really well in Singapore (predominantly Chinese population) where it end up 3rd on the last year's box office. The local critics and my friends generally love it. So my parents. Don't know why there is so many posts concerning its unpopularity in Asia. To my knowledge, it did very well in Taiwan, Malaysia and Phillipines too. I think it was mainly North East Asia that snubbed the movie. It is not like that critically acclaimed Chinese movies have been well received over there. I wonder what was the box office performance of Raise the Red Lantern in China.
Sure, Ang Lee did not come up with innovative ideas, using the old formulas of Wuxia films. But he sure perfected it like no one else ever did. (hm... remind me of Mozart's perfection in his quartets and symphonies. His concertos and operas belong to another league though....) Great Acting (if u can overlook the accents), elegant choreography, breathtaking cinematography, gorgeous sets and beautiful soundtrack....
I really enjoy the parallel and contrasting love stories (yes the long flashback scene in the desert was necessary!), the difference in how the 3 female leads take their place in a male-dominated society, and not forgetting the ambiguous ending.
Truly the most beautiful movie of all time.
JP