Michelle Yeoh surely is the queen of the action genre - and when watching this movie you won't have any doubts as to why she is.
Many people will be quick to compare this film to previous wu xia or martial arts films - Crouching Tiger for one - which is one of my favourite films of all time. While I don't think it is better than CTHD, all these films are essentially different films with different stories and characters so it really depends on what you like in a film - hence I don't believe in the 'greatest film of all time' - it's up to you after all.
But I had a good time with this. I have to admit I thought there were too many characters and I got a bit confused as I was trying to keep up with who was who and all, but it is essentially a fun story about a group of assassins who are after the main gal (Yeoh) who wants to lead a normal life instead of one full of constant bloodshed. While this has elements of typical revenge elements, the film also has a sense of humour with some comedic moments, fantasy, romance and great fighting scenes.
However, I felt the film didn't have a consistent tone so it sort of switched too much for my liking. Was it trying to be a serious film about warriors hardships and their quest to feel human? That's what I thought it was then it sort of changed its tone to melodramatic which sometimes didn't work properly then to cheesy comedy. I think they put a lot into it.
Nevertheless, all the actors in here give a pretty good performance and Yeoh pulls it off with her physical abilities not to mention her charisma. The ending however, felt underdeveloped as I couldn't believe that is how it was with the guy and his attitude (that's all I'm saying - it changed very quickly!) That being all said, it is a well done film and certainly an enjoyable martial arts film that is probably more suited to those who didn't like the elusive emotions in CTHD (but I did) and hey, I don't mind a no brainer flick if it is done well - and this certainly is!
Many people will be quick to compare this film to previous wu xia or martial arts films - Crouching Tiger for one - which is one of my favourite films of all time. While I don't think it is better than CTHD, all these films are essentially different films with different stories and characters so it really depends on what you like in a film - hence I don't believe in the 'greatest film of all time' - it's up to you after all.
But I had a good time with this. I have to admit I thought there were too many characters and I got a bit confused as I was trying to keep up with who was who and all, but it is essentially a fun story about a group of assassins who are after the main gal (Yeoh) who wants to lead a normal life instead of one full of constant bloodshed. While this has elements of typical revenge elements, the film also has a sense of humour with some comedic moments, fantasy, romance and great fighting scenes.
However, I felt the film didn't have a consistent tone so it sort of switched too much for my liking. Was it trying to be a serious film about warriors hardships and their quest to feel human? That's what I thought it was then it sort of changed its tone to melodramatic which sometimes didn't work properly then to cheesy comedy. I think they put a lot into it.
Nevertheless, all the actors in here give a pretty good performance and Yeoh pulls it off with her physical abilities not to mention her charisma. The ending however, felt underdeveloped as I couldn't believe that is how it was with the guy and his attitude (that's all I'm saying - it changed very quickly!) That being all said, it is a well done film and certainly an enjoyable martial arts film that is probably more suited to those who didn't like the elusive emotions in CTHD (but I did) and hey, I don't mind a no brainer flick if it is done well - and this certainly is!