Classic Story, Hidden Morals

Rating: 10/10 (16 August 2000)

It is truly a superb movie. The actions and fighting scenes are different than the usual kung fu fighting. They are closer to the Shaolin fighting style, rather than usual Jacky Chen or Jet Li style.
The story itself is presented in special Ang Lee's approach. Calm and slow, while for most viewers might feel confused with the characters way of thinking. Well, just put it this way, this is a classic Chinese story, and involves lots classic traditional way of thinking. Pride, Family, Honor, Loyalty, and Revenge are some of the classic way of life. And if supported the plot towards making the story not so complicated, but make the characters seems complicated and difficult to understand.
The casts are well chosen, besides some objections about their pronunciations, they are well acted and off course, well fighting.
This is another example of how the movie technic supports the story and bring out the imaginary scenes which can only be seen through the mind's eyes at first. The CGI effects are good and blend with the story well.
A classic romance story.