loff

Forget the Matrix. Forget pale US imitations like Rush Hour or Romeo Must Die. This just might be the best martial arts movie ever. Not because the fight scenes are awesome (they are) and the star suitably iconic (he is). But because this is a real movie, with a real plot and a genuine cinematic feel to it. Director Tsui Hark seems to have gotten some help by the ghost of Sergio Leone, and brings an entire age to life. This is a kung fu movie made like you always wanted them to be. And it has the funniest racially stereotyped villains (white Americans!) ever put on film. 10/10. Part II is almost as good.

This is one of the most astounding films I have ever seen, both visually and in terms of narrative. It consists of at least two stories (a young girl becoming a woman, a vampire story) layered on top of each other with a kind of dream-logic. It looks a dream as well. A cleaned-up DVD edition would be nice, though.

Some viewers may be offended by its' oedipal imagery, but for me this is perhaps the best fantasy-movie ever. Great actors too. It would be interesting to know if any of the people involved in this made anything as good again. A solid ten.