Not your brother's martial arts film

Rating: 8/10 (24 September 2000)

Anyone raised on a diet of martial arts films starring Steven Seagal, or Jean-Claude Van Damme is used to revenge based plots, sprinkled with banal action sequences and appalling acting. Jackie Chan helped to change the Western view of martial arts films, infusing them with humor and acrobatic fight sequences. Few people outside China however have seen a traditional Chinese martial arts film in which fealty, moral dilemmas and spiritual purity are as important to the plot as the fighting. Ang Lee decided that it was time to rectify this oversight.
Li Mu Bai, a legendary warrior monk, has grown weary of fighting and desires a normal life. To that end he entrusts his sister-in-law, Yu Shu Lien with the task of delivering "Green Destiny" - a sword on par with Excalibur - to an old family friend. The sword is immediately stolen, leading Li and Yu on a quest where they will confront old enemies, struggle with loyalties and possibly experience love.
I will start with several caveats about this film. Although the main actors (Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh) have recently starred in Hollywood films, this movie is Chinese, which means subtitles for anyone who hasn't brushed up on their Mandarin. Some people may be put off by the fantastical elements of the story - characters fly after one another and perform feats equivalent to catching bullets with their teeth. Finally, the plot can be somewhat difficult to follow at times. Having dispensed with these minor unpleasantries, I can now focus on the positives.
The locations and scenery border on the mythical - from the lush bamboo forests, to the cloud enshrouded mountains to the stunning recreation of Peking in it's ancient glory - the viewer is treated to a spectacular visual kaleidoscope. The intricate action sequences are second to none - exquisitely choreographed by the same man who gave "The Matrix" its oomph - they include amazing feats of gymnastics, a diverse selection of weaponry and last as long as ten minutes. Finally, the story, in stark contrast to its Hollywood cousins, has substance, multidimensional characters that aren't just fodder for the hero, and examines the possible foibles of misguided loyalties and rigid traditions.
Ang Lee has crafted a striking film that will appeal to any viewer who appreciates fine cinema.
P.S. bringing the live tiger to the premiere was a great touch