Pure genius

Rating: 10/10 (29 January 2003)

This movie is simply amazing. If I had to choose a single word to describe it, it would be `passion'. From the passion of the acting, to the passion of the story, to the passion of the cinematography, this movie left me breathless.
This movie has great sword fighting sequences with excellent special effects, while still presenting an amazing love story and showcasing the beauty of Chinese culture and landscapes. A warning to viewers not used to Chinese cinema, this movie includes a lot of wire work and surreal feats of skill. This all adds to the majesty and passion of this film. Those put off by this might have issues with this movie, but you must understand that this is how Chinese fantasy is. It would be the same as dismissing Tolkein's works because his stories include magic.
I saw this movie twice in two days in Hong Kong, and I can't wait until it is released in the US to continue watching it more.