Wow!

Rating: Null/10 (2 November 2003)

This isn't just another martial arts movie. It's another great martial arts movie, right up there with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The cinematography shows just how much beautiful landscapes are hidden in China. Vast deserts, beautiful lakes and gorgeous palaces set the scene for wonderful cinematography. The views are sometimes so stretched out you could almost believe that you were in ancient China.
The different colours worn by the cast in each different segment of the story symbolises the undertone of the movie - different colours represent different feelings, different moods. The fighting scenes were cleverly calculated; it wasn't too much as to bore oneself but enough to emphasise the skills exercised by these warriors. The wind effect was used a lot in this movie and it was marvellous and executed the mood of the movie to perfection. Perhaps, some may not agree and I even heard a few chuckles during the 'flying' scenes in the fight sequences. Well, I don't know much about martial arts but I do know that if Hollywood is allowed all those explosions, guns and destruction, then Zhang Yimou and his contemporaries are allowed to let their movies 'fly'.
I grew up watching the cast members, all except Zhang Ziyi, who was amazing in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. I think the director, Zhang Yimou, did a smart job by casting her in a supporting role as an unpolished understudy to a highly skilled sword fighter. You see the fire in her eyes but you feel sorry for her lack of skills so as not to be able to defeat each and everyone of her opponent. If only you watch CTHD, would you discover how really skilled Zhang Ziyi is and that she's just complimenting her skills in this movie by acting as the protege rather than the undefeatable fighter.
Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung have always made a great pair and this movie is no different. You sense the sexual tension between the two of them and learn of their love for each other but without the fireworks. It was refreshing to see a love story not be overblown by animal sex and all unnecessary drama. Maggie Cheung played the tortured female warrior brilliantly - I couldn't think of anyone else who would fit the part as well as she did.
The plot may confuse and bore a lot of you but don't be scared off by it. It's a story about ancient Chinese warriors so it's not your regular Hollywood type no brainer. There are a lot of traditional and cultural undertones to be taken into account and the movie seeks to combine all of that in one. Sit it out and you won't regret it.
Like another commentar said, this movie too, blew my breath and my mind away. I can't wait for the DVD!