Not too bad, but definitely overrated

Rating: 8/10 (26 February 2001)

I have been a fan of HK movies since I was really young. I basically grew up with HK movies. So, I couldn't pass up on a chance to see this movie that everyone was talking about.
Don't get me wrong. The story was great. The music was really beautiful. But Oscar? Come on! I saw many other HK movies with the same or better quality/ plot, etc and they never got any nomination. Why? Because no one actually pays attention to HK movie until very recently. And all of the sudden, people see this movie and go "Oh WOW!"
If you are a true fan of a HK movie, you'll probably feel the same way as I do. Many HK movies are really beautiful. OK. This one is also beautiful. Although I have to say that the flying sequences were a little bit too fake. NO I am not saying that "People can't fly'. If you are a fan of HK movies, you are probably used to people flying all over the places. It's not just this movie, most of the movies that has something to do with ancient Chinese Kung Fu has people flying (or do a lot of other "impossible" things.) But the problem is, I saw better movie where the flying sequence makes me more comfortable. I mean, this one, especially the part where Chow flew down the waterfall... just really reminds me of how Superman makes his landing.

What I am saying is, this movie is not so bad. But I saw better movies and they never got any nominations. Don't get me wrong. Story was good. Music was great. Some action sequence was annoying because they look fake. I like the movie. I love the music. I actually went to look for soundtrack CD right after the movie. But overall, I'd give a B/B+.

For the nominations: Definitely overrated. Go to your local Chinese store and try renting some other beautiful HK movies. I am sure they have a great selection for you to choose from. And you will know that this movie is getting too much credits than it deserves.