I can see why this film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, and received four of them. In addition to the interesting plot and amazing fight scenes, the cinematography, scenery, and music were excellent as well. Ang Lee, who also directed Brokeback Mountain has a knack for capturing amazing scenery and footage. In this film, Jen Yu, the daughter of a governor, sets a series of events into motion by stealing a sword from Li Mu Bai, a renowned warrior. Both Li and Shu Lien, a fellow warrior, begin a quest to recover the sword, fighting opponents along the way, and also trying to avenge the death of Li’s master, who was killed by the mysterious Jade Fox.
Rating: ****