...like a fine Artwork from a real Master

Rating: 10/10 (19 June 2003)

...and nice moments will this movie presenting you. After the whole bunch of film masses products this film exposes like a fine jade figure from real master. A composing of pictures,colours, lyricks and mystic elements. The character studies are not based on deep psychological analysis, the are more representionals for the state of mind in this chinese era - pride,anger,vengeance,fear,brave,...(comparable to the Knights in Europe)and are surpassed by a higher ideal - a new time has began for the biggest Nation of the world. So its Not so deep in philosophical questions like f.ex. Nitzsches works (oh dear! :-)) but much more heart-captive. This unusual high-quality work is very unorthodox is oundstanding from the masses of Hong Kong-Productions. The film is entertaining and spiritual as well, and is especially interesting for people who are interested in China`s spiritual elements in its history. Despite the fighting scenes are awesome, this film is not made for hardcore-martial art fans, but for people who always liked to hear tales from far countries and kingdoms with surreal elements. So i would this tale more with western tales like King Arthur from Camelot or Wallenstein, the tragic german hero.
Overall, if you like watching movies in cinema, you will "need" to watch this movie - its like bracing shower.
4.5 of 5 Stars (or 8.5 of 10).
P.S. Forget the Matrix II !!