Too much hype = anti-climactic disappointment

Rating: 6/10 (11 October 2004)

Having heard so much of this movie during it's recent UK release, I was eager to watch the Chinese Extended DVD in my possession, which was beautifully packaged in a collector's box.
I had been informed by a friend and film buff that it as an "art film" that should not be missed.
Having seen it, I must say, visually, yes it is stunning. Amazing colours, vivid photography, wonderful martial arts. But, it is surprisingly boring and the suspense in discovering the meaning at the end just collapses.
If nothing was said about this and someone watched in by accident, they would have enjoyed it more- especially if they had not seen "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"- now comparing this to the former, it certainly is no masterpiece and now Crouching Tiger, in my opinion, should be elevated as a consequence.
Back to watching Jet Li's other movies such as "The One" and "Kiss of the Dragon" I think....