quote:

ORIGINAL: spicebrain

I'm liking the 5 stars. Others are entitled to their opinions, but for me, this is one of the few films where I fail to comprehend how anyone could not love it. It's an action movie (and a superb one at that, I'll take the fight sequences in this over The Matrix ANY day, although somehow I think I'll probably be alone in that opinion on these forums...) with a genuine heart at its core. Ang Lee has always been great at exploring the effects of social constraints on his characters, but he truly excels himself here. The love between Li Mu Bai and Shu Lien is one of the most quietly devastating love stories in cinema as far as I'm concerned - and the terrific Michelle Yeoh (the REAL star of this film) underpins that beautifully, particularly at the end of the film. The concept of "honour" just feels so remarkably hollow after watching this. Another point to add would be the fact that the film possesses such a rich tapestry of breathtaking images - say what you want about the content, but it truly is a marvel to look at.
 
Moreover, I feel that this is one of the few films which succeeds on EVERY aspect of the filmmaking process if that makes sense? Ang Lee's direction is superb, the acting is good if not great (see: Zhang, and especially Yeoh who completely transcends her role), I personally feel that the story is gripping and I love the mythical folklore aspect of it, the cinematography is faultless, the art direction is great, the costumes are wonderful, the score is possibly my favourite of the 21st century thus far, the visual effects are excellent etc. etc.
 
Anyway, to cut to the chase, I truly adore this movie. One day I'll write a proper review. But until then, it can proudly reside in my all-time top 20 - where it'll stay for some time to come, I imagine.

quote:

ORIGINAL: spice brain

I'm liking the 5 stars. Others are entitled to their opinions, but for me, this is one of the few films where I fail to comprehend how anyone could not love it. It's an action movie (and a superb one at that, I'll take the fight sequences in this over The Matrix ANY day, although somehow I think I'll probably be alone in that opinion on these forums...) with a genuine heart at its core. Ang Lee has always been great at exploring the effects of social constraints on his characters, but he truly excels himself here. The love between Li Mu Bai and Shu Lien is one of the most quietly devastating love stories in cinema as far as I'm concerned - and the terrific Michelle Yeoh (the REAL star of this film) underpins that beautifully, particularly at the end of the film. The concept of "honour" just feels so remarkably hollow after watching this. Another point to add would be the fact that the film possesses such a rich tapestry of breathtaking images - say what you want about the content, but it truly is a marvel to look at.
 
Moreover, I feel that this is one of the few films which succeeds on EVERY aspect of the filmmaking process if that makes sense? Ang Lee's direction is superb, the acting is good if not great (see: Zhang, and especially Yeoh who completely transcends her role), I personally feel that the story is gripping and I love the mythical folklore aspect of it, the cinematography is faultless, the art direction is great, the costumes are wonderful, the score is possibly my favourite of the 21st century thus far, the visual effects are excellent etc. etc.
 
Anyway, to cut to the chase, I truly adore this movie. One day I'll write a proper review. But until then, it can proudly reside in my all-time top 20 - where it'll stay for some time to come, I imagine.