Sadly Over-hyped

Good movie but grossly overrated

Good concept, poorly executed.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Whenever critics seem to rave about a film, I don't. This is a typical example. The use of obvious wire effects is a bit too much, and there is too much sword-wielding just for the sake of sword-wielding. Later, even the story did not interest me anymore and the action sequences seemed too comedic.Yawn.

I´ve watched this four or five times, well, I tried, because I´ve fallen asleep every single one of them, seriously. I am able to sit through movies like THE LAST EMPEROR ot THE WEEPING MEADOW and I´m kind of a stubborn film goer, usually forcing myself to endure any kind of film, no matter how long, slow or bad. Also, I liked other works by Ang Lee, specially EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN. I came to the obvious conclusion there must be something utterly boring about this film that makes me not give a rat´s ass about any character or any of their affected dialogues. I´m guessing the fighting scenes are so gorgeous and unique this film has stayed in our colective subconscious as way more than it really is.

This is a typical Ang Lee movie, complete with slow pacing, melodrama, a random, rambling plot, and good visuals and fight scenes. Also very Ang Lee, the characters act in strange and illogical ways. For example, in the scene when the bandits attack Jen Yu's caravan, they kill a few unfortunate guards and run away for no apparent reason. After chasing the bandit leader for days (I guess?) in order to retrieve her comb, Jen Yu then jumps in the sack with him way, way too quickly. And the melodramatic ending when Jen presumably commits suicide-- why is she even doing this? Is she so regretful of Li Mu Bai's death? Does she miss her assassin governess? 我受不了。

The best film with the best fight between two characters, are actually women. It may exist and was filmed by master Ang Lee. My favorite film by Ang Lee, which combines a deep history, women victims of society, in its largest controlled by men. The perfect combination of visuals, unique and mystical with exemplary performances and fierce, fast fights in some of the best action scenes I've ever seen.Not to mention the wonderful soundtrack that completes this modern classic. An amazing movie, which I highly recommend.