A love story in a kung-fu movie's clothing

Rating: 7/10 (11 February 2001)

So many people have complained about the flying, and unfortunately I have to agree with them. There needs to have been an emotional connection made between the flying and the story. This emotional connection is called meaning. To expect us to accept that Wudan fly without creating a context in which they might seems rather careless.
The non-flying fight scenes were not filmed well, most of the time only the end of a sequence was actually captured, leaving most of the action out of focus. I understand that their movements were quick, but were supposed to have been invisible as well? Maybe that is another talent inherent to the Wudan.
The love story between Fat and Yeoh was notably strong, noble, and timeless. In contrast, the love story between the younger characters was unfocused, often long-winded, and relied on steamy bath scenes and skin. By the end of the movie, however, I thoroughly enjoyed Jen's character. She was the center of the desperate passions that swirled throughout this movie, and the passions are what nearly make this a great movie. 7/10