Understand what you critique

Rating: 9/10 (23 February 2001)

First off, I like to say that as an Asian-American, I have seen this kind of movie from my dad who is into the Wuxia genre. However, this is not to say that this movie was not one of the best this year (2000). For those people who do not really understand certain elements of this film (i.e. "the flying/floating") understand that it is no different than from Western heroes flying (i.e. Superman, etc.") Take the movie for what it is, a fable and a fairy tale. Even Ang Lee said that it was a movie about "a China that never existed except in my boyhood fantasies and stories." Anyone who complains about the flying and floating is not be fair and informed. CTHD is one of the best movies this year purely based on the acting alone. I understand Cantonese and to some extent Mandarin. I watched the actors and actresses and I was amazed at the gestures and expressions all the characters had. Please, go watch it one more time for those who had seen it already and this time pay attention to this aspect of the film. The eyes! My God! What suppressed emotions are there! What does Gladiator have over this movie? Nothing! And I LOVED Gladiator! Anyway, I agree with some that the desert scene was a little too long but this does not detract from the movie and to an extent, was necessary. I have read many reviews from the movie going audience out there and I believe we all have a right to voice our opinions but please don't trash a movie because you had to read subtitles! My friend who is American went and saw the film with me enjoyed it just as much and he read the entire movie. I felt compelled to explain certain parts of the film to ppl near us but once they found out what certain things meant they felt they understood the movie better. So go see CTHD and enjoy! I think it would be worth it!