Kevin Thomas hated it. I think also the N.Y. Times and the Chronicle gave it bad reviews. They didn't like those kinds of films back then. Now, of course, they all love martial arts films. Well, the flying around on wires.
People have strong reactions the first time they see that style.
It's all phony. But after 30 years people have finally gotten used to it. It's part of the culture now. But to be honest with you, I think that if Ang Lee did not direct Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, it would not have gone mainstream. If this film was not made by Lee, Sony would not have picked it up.