This film draws on decades of Hung Fu Wuxian tradition and perfects the action and flying wires without losing sight of the need for action or philosophy.

The actors and actresses do a superb job of bringing the story to life and the witch mother is incredible.

... Because it attracted several Oscars and everyone knows the Oscars suck, they are a hallmark for boring over-long movies.

Boy, was I wrong. The film is fun, philosophical, novel, Ziyi the actress is one of the prettier almond eyes and I can recommend this film to different folks of different ages with confidence that they would enjoy it.

Before I begin, I must point out that I like samurai and martial arts movies. So I didn't watch this film with a negative mind set.

This movie is neither good nor bad--it has some of each aspect. First the bad. While MANY loved the bizarre and over-the-top action sequences (complete with wall walking and flying across the trees),I didn't. It only served to obscure the good writing, photography and acting. Many praised it, but it just seemed a little dopey--sort of like combining a kung fu movie with a Sylvester Stalone or Disney pic. Second, few films can match the hype surrounding it. By the time I saw it, my expectations were too high. I do like some of the old-time Hong Kong kung fu movies--in these films with cheesy special effects and over-the-top action, such excesses are to be expected. In a big-budget and more Western-oriented film, it all just seems out of place.

Now the good. It was a visually stunning movie and generally kept my interest. That's really about it. Maybe you'll like it, but I was left feeling amazingly flat and unimpressed.