Visually and intellectually fascinating!

Rating: 8/10 (13 January 2001)

The use of "magic realism" on-screen is rare. This story of romance and betrayal comes to life when the characters do fantastic things like flying and fighting with incredible speed. The love between one couple that can never be because it would disrespect the memory of another and the "Romeo and Juliet" love of another couple kept the story moving along for me. I've always enjoyed the Saturday afternoon dubbed kung-fu movies of my childhood, but I walked out of this movie blown away by the choreographed fight scenes and sumptuous settings. I am highly recommending this movie to everyone! I would just like to add that the addition of Jet-Li would have made this movie my number one of all time.