I actually saw this movie in 2001. I hadn't planned on reviewing it on Amazon until I noticed so many recent, positive reviews. Here's my entry, to offset the imbalance created by those positive reviews:
This is the type of movie which would be best to watch on a Saturday morning when you're extremely ill and have neither the energy nor desire to find the remote so as to change channels or, get up and manually do so.
As with the Blair Witch Project, much hype accompanied this film, none of which was deserved. The "fight" scenes were touted as the best ever. What you actually get is a lot of sword and sword-like play filmed at close quarters for the most part, so that you are unable to see any artistry in the choreography. Since it is a period piece, they use reproductions of Chinese clothing from way back when so it's hard to see any action as the long robes and sleeves whirl about.
In addition to the swirling robes which obscure the action, the film is waaay too long and, it seems to employ all the old, shopworn plots used in the majority of martial arts movies: the good guy's master is killed and his death must be avenged, there is a sacred object which has been stolen and must be recovered (in this case, it is not stolen once, but TWICE!), there are two schools of fighting - one is evil and one is good, the good guy comes across an extremely talented fighter and wants to serve as master/teacher (Hey! If this person could kick the good guy's butt, why would this person need a teacher?), the person whom everyone thinks is a tough guy is actually a tough girl (Yo! Add some carrots to your diet - you didn't notice the arched eyebrows, soft skin and small hands on your masked toughie?).
My number one complaint (and as you can see, I have many) is the use of that stupid Matrix-like technique in the fight scenes.You know, the one where people run in mid-air and fight in mid-air and simply hang in mid-air. It looked stupid when it was first used and now, several movies later, it looks just as lame. We have people flying all over the place and walking among the treetops. Gimme a break! Everything else is done on the up and up, then they want you to suspend ALL belief in gravity and reality.
The film is in Mandarin Chinese which, luckily, I am fluent in (just kidding). I have no quarrel with movies which must be "read," but I DO have a quarrel with movies like this one which simply stink.
One good point: The scenery is beautiful. The trees were especially attractive...until people started walking all over them.
My rating: 1 star (a little something for the trees)
(1029 customers reviews)
Customers Rating=4.0 / 5.0
More Detail For Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Blu ray
No comments:
Post a Comment