From the vintage Hong Kong epics of the 1960s and 70s to the more modern spin provided by the likes of John Woo and Ringo Lam, this particular variety of action melodrama has a long history and an ever more prominent place in the palette of the world cinema viewer. Yet this audience will also probably derive the most pleasure from Lee's take on the genre. Few filmmakers have been as delicate with the material. Every aspect of this film has been crafted with a demonstrable understanding of the nuances of character and theme which are weaved through it. Every scene is beautifully balanced so that the actors are allowed to develop rich and interesting characterisations in which much is unspoken but everything is said.
Every shot seems paced just right.
Lee makes excellent use of scenery, costumes, and props so that the audience has time to understand the dynamics of the scene on every level. All of the issues at stake in any given set of character interactions are clearly outlined, and all of it is set against a backdrop of spiritual and political activity which have a feel of authenticity in spite of being seen through the filters of history, fantasy, and nostalgia. Chow and Yeoh have dream roles which allow them to really extend their range to pure drama and both are superb. The rest of the cast are equally sharp in portraying the range of emotions and intrigues which comprise the individual scenes, allowing the film to mount considerable force on a thematic level. Its notions of duty, honour, and justice are not vague and abstract.