Not for the mainstream American

Rating: 9/10 (25 January 2004)

Watching CTHD for the 2nd time last night, found myself enjoying and liking the film even better than I did the first time. 1st time was on VHS, this time on DVD, which allowed me to cheat and watch it with the English dubbing, and not do the subtitles, allowing me to better concentrate on the movie without having to read the dialogue. Being able to do so, got to appreciate the film even more. I have read a lot of harsh criticism on the messaging board for this movie, and really do not understand it. I can understand one personally not finding the movie their cup of tea, but to be so bad mouthing of a film that did not warrant it in any way shape or form... people who just don't get it, and most likely frequent and see movies like Deuce Bigelow, or Real Spring Break Cancun, or, whatever that flick that was that had the American idol winners in it... for future reference, all of you keep your ignorance to yourself. The 1st time I saw CTHD, I didn't know what it was going into it, and have never really watched any 'martial arts' films before... remember the gravity-defying sequences as a detraction to me, it's unrealism - sometimes I am too highly realistic. This time around, letting myself go, allowing myself to be taken in by the Wudan trained ability of being able to free themselves of the physical boundaries that bind us, was able to be entertained by the grace, beauty and magic of it. The movie itself is a very beautiful movie, both cinematically, obviously - beautifully shot, the sequence in the trees is just a visionary, beautiful, etheral dream that is unequalled. And the story is quite good, since I have at least, a minimal understanding and Eastern culture and philosophy, really a beautiful story of love, freedom, tradition, heritage, culture, passion, and the living spirit. I certainly recommend it to those who are, intelligent, learned, broad and open minded, and true cinema movie go'ers out there.
To those who bad mouthed it the way they did, isn't there some reality television show on right now for you to go watch?!