An almost-perfect Wuxia film

Rating: 10/10 (15 December 2000)

First of all, I've read some of the comments posted and to be honest I'm kind of ticked off by those who don't like the "excessive" amount of "flying" during the fight scenes. I believe these people think that Wuxia is the same as Kung-Fu. Well, they are completely different.
To those who are not familiar with Wuxia, it is a supernatural form of martial arts that was originated from novel writers in China some time ago. (exact time I do not know, if anyone knows, please tell me) One of the most prolific and celebrated Wuxia novelists is Gin Yon (forgive me if I spelled his name incorrectly). Almost all, and I mean ALL, Chinese have read his work one time or another. Simply put, Wuxia is kind of like a fantasy in which characters can defy the laws of physics and perform supernatural stunts and fighting moves. There is always a clear distinction between the good and the evil, and romance is always an important aspect of the story.
Which brings me back to my point earlier. Kung-Fu is completely different from Wuxia. Kung-Fu is real, and Wuxia is surreal. What makes Wuxia films so interesting is that they can be very creative and imaginative. A Wuxia (Wuxia literally means martial art warrior), if he/she is good, is expected to leap 50 yards or "fly" to a tree top effortlessly.
Another Chinese term which is used in CTHD is Wudan. For those who don't know, Wudan is simply one of the many "schools" of martial arts in ancient China. Just like we have Taekuando, Kung-Fu, Judo, etc. today.
Ok, about the film. It is shot very beautifully. The locations are breathtaking. I just wish that Lee Ang could have held the wide-angle establishing shots just a tiny bit longer. The fight scenes are the best I've seen. The action is fast and simply jaw-dropping. The final battle could have been longer though, as it was over even before I knew it.
Zhang Zi Yi's performance is spectacular. Zhang Yi Mou (director of Raise the Red Latern, To Live) have found a real gem in Zi Yi. She's the next Gong Li, that's for sure.
Chow Yun Fat's and Yeoh's accents are a bit annoying for those who understands Mandarin. Yeoh's Mandarin, to be honest, is bearly passable.
The score, on the other hand, is excellent. It gave me goosbumps when I heard Yo Yo Ma's beautiful cello in the soundtrack.
All in all this is one heck of a film. Go see it!!!