Amazing Visuals, Terrific Acting- Zhang Yimou's masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (16 February 2003)

I saw this movie twice, once in only Mandarin and once with English subtitles. I only knew enough to understand lines like "Under Heaven" the first time, but the visuals need no language. They are a feast for the eyes that outclass any I've seen in other movies. The acting is also superb; Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung have a real chemistry that shows onscreen. The story may be confusing at first, but the theme of the movie and everything that happens becomes understandable at the end. I looked forward to this movie for a long time, and I was not disappointed.