A true work of art, but with a weak plot.

Rating: 9/10 (31 December 2002)

I think this is without question the most beautiful film I've ever seen. As far as cinematography is concerned and it is a pure delight to watch. Some amazing visual effects, particularly with a fight scene in the rain, an entire army firing arrows and leaves falling from trees and changing colour all had the audience gasping. Also some stunning location filming too. I've heard some complaints however from my Chinese friends that the film is simply 'too beautiful'. This is because this film is considered to be not a true representation of the 'wushu' fighting style as it is slowed down and made more appealing for a western audience. To me this does not diminish my enjoyment of the film at all. My only complaint would be that the story although having a beautiful ethereal quality, it's only really somewhat of a weak fairy-tale. It could have had more of a historical storyline with a plot that was really leading somewhere of substance. In my view well worth seeing.