Image source: Wikimedia
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Year of release: 2002
Director: Zhang Yimou
Writers: Feng Li, Bin Wang, Zhang Yimou
Starring: Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Chen Daoming, Zhang Ziyi, etc.
General impression:
Poetry in motion. As Orson Welles put it, “a film is never really good unless the camera is an eye in the head of a poet”. Poetry is the very essence of this aesthetically breathtaking film. The choreography of the fighting scenes is out of this world, the movements fluid, and it seems as if those who fight are not human beings, but entities, spirits, ideas, sheer forces, pure energy. It is one of the most beautiful movies I’ve ever seen, and my opinion is only in part influenced by the fascination I’ve had for Asian stories since early childhood. What do you think will happen when the King of Qin meets the hero who saved him from powerful assassins? If this question makes you curious, you’ll most likely enjoy the film.
Highlights:
I don’t think they could have made it better. The imagery will last in your mind, and thinking back to this movie, you’ll see the flowing colors again… and again.
Downside:
Maybe it is not as entertaining as less rigid movies, but I’m talking from a different point of view, not mine – I was entertained. It is too perfect.
Would I see it again? – Yes
My Rating (1 to 10): 9.5
Recommended: Yes
Suggestion:
You must see this film if you like stories, especially Asian ones.