2002 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 39 min
Director: Yimou Zhang
Starring: Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu Waj, Maggie Cheung, Ziyi Zhang, Donnie Yen, Daoming Chen
No one fights in the air quite like the Chinese. Bollywood has their dancing, Chinese film has their aerial fighting. Good times.
In this movie, most of the action is in the past. Jet Li's character claims to have defeated three assassins who've been out to get the emperor for years. He says he got 'em, so he gets private audience with the man himself. Is it all a true story or is it an elaborate scheme to get a new, unknown assassin within striking distance of the throne?
Once this issue is cleared up, there's more to talk about. Flash backs to epic battle scenes and alternate versions of the events help to break up the present day lack of action. The film is well balanced, the plot line enough of a ride to keep you well engaged, and the characters strong and compelling. I really enjoyed this one a lot.
A gorgeous movie but the story structure kind of bugs me at times. Guess it's a matter of taste.
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