this was good stuff

Rating: Null/10 (15 November 2004)

i really enjoyed watching this movie and i'm so glad i didn't read any spoilers like my sis did and went in completely unaware. firstly, the stunning use of colour was wonderful. there were some great scenes and even though many people think the movie has a weak story i personally think it was better than that of 'crouching tiger'. i liked the fact that the director disorientated the audience with 'the fake versions of what happened'. the fight scenes were good too, breathtaking in some parts. i loved the theme of fighting not being about fighting if you get what i mean. and my fave scene was tony leung vs the emperor - all that use of green - superb. yes one mite say that the use of colour is cliché but it worked wonderfully. there's just something so simply pure about it - its not trying to have this deep, complicated symbolism.
i basically wasn't bored like i was in 'crouching tiger'. some parts of the movie were odd and didn't work well but overall it was a good Chinese movie and one of the better ones I've seen. i was so glad it wasn't like 'road home' or anything - road home isn't bad, just so damn slow. and i did like the whole patriotic china bit too. i thought it was a nice touch, and oddly moving. yes, it mite have been catered for the western world, but it hit home to me in London, so i guess it worked. definitely worth my time and money.