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I swear. Ang Lee is a god. Well, a cinematic god. This was the first film made by him that I saw and I have since
seen more of his films, but I am writing this after I have become familiar with him and I swear, he's like Picasso or Van
Gogh when it comes to film. Even 'Hulk' wasn't that bad (eh, it wasn't good, no, but it wasn't horrible....or do you beg
to differ?). This film is amazing. It's true cinematic art. Everything is perfect. There's an element of fantasy here,
but it's not your normal fantasy. Everything works so well; it's like the man can do no wrong with a film (well, 'Hulk'.....). This
movie is beautifully filmed. The photography is lush and there's enough focus on both characters and scenery and sets. The
colors are excellent. And the film itself, taken as a whole, is mezmerising. Yes, there are those fantastic and death-defying
martial arts scenes, which are expertly choreographed and performed, but really, you should see this movie for more than just
these scenes. Because this is not a martial arts film, and those expecting it to be so might be a tad disappointed. The
focus here is on the characters, and what characters! They're human, imperfect yet perfect enough. Why do they do what they
do? Why does Jen steal the sword? And why does she ally herself with Jade Fox in the first place, only to turn away in the
end? We never truly know who these people are, what their purpose is, and why they act the way the do and make the choices
they do. We can speculate, but are we right? In my opinion, it's these questions and lack of answers that often make characters
more interesting and films better (many Westerns take this approach, but in more of a cryptic manner). Each character is
likable in their own way (except perhaps Jade Fox, but she's the villian and we're not supposed to like her). These are strong
characters, with values that they hold dear and honor that they will defend with their lives. These people are real, fictional
but realistic. The acting is so true and powerful, everyone is perfect. It's hard not to like these people, even if they
make sketchy decisions (like kidnapping someone or stealing a sword and then running away from home). Of particular note
is Chow Yun-Fat (who is, undisputably, the very meaning of the word 'cool'; he is one of the coolest, most awesome people/actors
ever, along with Clint Eastwood and Tommy Lee Jones). He's just brilliant, absolutely suave and, I'll say it, graceful on
screen. He's a wonderful actor, and he fits his role here so well. There's a bit towards the beginning where Li Mu Bai is
practicing sparring by himself with the Green Destiny sword, and it's almost as if he's dancing with it, like the sword was
meant to be there. Michelle Yeoh is also great. Hers is the best female character I have seen in film. She brings such
grace and strength to her character. Mr. Lee knows how to work with people. He's a master at bringing out the emotion in
a film and through its characters. He's truly an artist and it shows here. The story is a good one, not one you're
used to (obviously; this is a Chinese film). It's more of a fantasy, but it's also somewhat of a love story. There's no
real protagonist and the film doesn't focus on one character and then make small change of the others. It focuses on each
one in turn; the film belongs to everyone, not just one person (you could argue that Jen is the protagonist and the film focuses
mostly on her, and you would be right in your own way, but I don't think the film belongs to her, or solely anyone for that
matter). There's nothing here to complain about. Everything, the costuming, the acting, the music (which adds
a somber, sad, yet romantic atmosphere to the film; it's an excellent score, adding to but never overshadowing the film) is
perfect. Truly the work of a master. I know some people (including many that I know) would tell you to watch this film the
real way, in Mandarin with English subtitles, and not to watch it dubbed (some extremists would go so far as to say it is
blasphemy to watch this film dubbed), but to be honest either way seems fine to me. The names change a little depending on
which way you watch it, but I have to say, watching it dubbed does not take away from the atmosphere or the experience itself.
The actors (or at least the main ones) all did their own English dubbing for the film, so they're really speaking, not some
other person reading the lines for the characters. And while it's obvious that it's dubbed when you watch it thus, the dubbing
is very well done, and after a while you can't tell. My advice: watch it both ways, dubbed and in Mandarin with subtitles,
and from then on watch it whichever way you prefer or depending on your mood. But don't let the subtitle/foreign language
barrier stop you; you have an option (unlike 'Pan's Labyrinth' which had no dubbing on the DVD I watched). Never fear, subtitle
haters. I highly recommend this film. It's fantastic. It gets the rare A+ and a gold star. Don't be shallow, now, and
see it just for the martial arts and that absolutely spectacular sword fight/chick fight scene (though both aspects are well
worth a reason for seeing this film). But see it anyways. Trust me.
Best moment: the face-off between Jen and Shu Lien. Brilliant. Amazing. Wonderful.
But also of note is Li Mu Bai 'dancing' in the moonlight with the Green Destiny. So artistic and beautiful. Worst
moment: this film got an A+ so there isn't one Best quote: this isn't really a film to quote..... Why
you should see it: Why shouldn't you? Chow Yun-Fat (who is UBER incredibly cool) is in this film. He should be a good reason
to see any film. And amazingly, it's not that violent, and when it is, it's stylized. So it's not a big deal. Why
you should choose something else: The language barrier might get to people, and it's not really a martial arts film, it's
more of a fantasy, which is probably not what people are/were expecting.
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