aequitas_veritas_007
Following Dragon Inn this film takes visual effects so freaking far that they overshadow and ruin the majority of all fights scenes in the movie. I love movies like House of Flying Daggers, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and classics like Enter the Dragon. This has none of the redeeming qualities of those movies. I watched this mainly because of Jet Li's presence in the cast, and sadly that didn't help. His fights are also injected with too much CGI, and over done wire effects. I would have hoped he would pick a better film to make his return into wushu epics. I will go watch Hero or Fearless now to wipe my mind of this general bs. Overall 5/10 and I will, sad to say, not be buying this on bluray or DVD. What a disappointment.
kosmasp
I watched this in 3-D and have to say it was worth it. There are some amazing effects on display here. Something even the critics will not deny the movie. What they will say of course is, that the movie is a bit of a mess when it comes to the plot/story department. And that accusation is not wrong. It's the visuals Tsui Hark is most concerned about. Which means you get more than a handful beautiful staged and choreographed scenes and sequences.But the story isn't that bad and though bumpy, still easy to follow. Not many will criticize Michael Bay or any other Hollywood director for their focus on the technical aspect rather than the development of plot and character. This still is superior in the character department, even though it has some major flaws there too.Still, if you want a good time with an enjoyable Eastern you could pick worse movies.
BigGuy
I have to say I was a disappointed in this movie. If you are going to have Jet Li as the main character, why CGI so much of the martial arts? Almost none of the martial arts scenes were live action, and those that were live action were sadly lacking in clarity, the director preferring quick cuts and flash over substance.The story itself wasn't bad. It is a bit more complicated than the average kung-fu movie, which explains the two hour run time of the movie. Sadly, much of the depth in the movie felt added on, as if they took a chunk from several movies and added them together.Also, I have to say, the opening sequence reminded me of something your would see at the beginning of a video game, rather than an actual movie.I would wait to see this one on video.
jsbibra
a movie not to be missed because of the action sequences, slick editing means no gap in the action, not too many dialogs to keep u bored kept me engrossed, didn't touch the fast forward button even once, forgot to even eat my ice cream, a surprise ending which took me completely off guard because i never expected it at the climax stage, a captivating storyline with enough characters thrown in to confuse yet not let you down with there involvement towards the theme of the movie, the fight scene in the dust storm is a treat to see, in any case watching jet li do his stuff is good enough but in here the girls were good with the action as was the villain dude and his second in command, the extra wide scenery captured of desert and water flow at the same time was awesome. all in all a film worth commenting on and reviewing- which is a first for me.
AD
