Incredible movie, due to the wonder cinematography and art direction

Rating: 9/10 (5 March 2003)

This movie turned out to be much different than what I had expected, but I think I like it even more due to that fact. Great choreography was expected, and the movie definitely lived up to that expectation. But the 3-perspective style of storytelling was very innovative (if not exactly surprising after viewing the first of the three for those familiar w/ Chinese history of that era). I thought the acting was above average, but much enhanced through the settings they are portrayed in...the cinematography is truly what makes this film. For example, like someone has mentioned, the scene of the leaves turning red, while simple, was very effective, and expresses emotions much more effectively than any dialogue could hope to do. I can't wait to see it in theatres here in the United States.