The epic storyline, gorgeous scenery, graceful martial arts, and the interesting characters made this a worthwhile watch. Set in 18th century China, an ancient and powerful sword is stolen and the chase to get it back reveals a Noble family's hidden secret. I couldn't get over how gentle and emotional this film was for a "fighting" movie and I especially appreciated the nuanced and powerful female characters featured in it. The martial arts choreography was almost hauntingly beautiful.

I don't usually like to watch films more than once or twice but I've watched this one over a dozen times. I love it. I think it is a perfect mix of suspense, action, love and honor. It has stunning visuals, all the actors are wonderful and it is completely absorbing. I don't think it is for kids but everyone else please do yourself a favor and watch this amazing film which is the highest grossing foreign film thus far.

A sad love story and knightly actions are mixed in action film with wonderful scenes.

Beautiful cinematography, excellent legend like story telling.
The expression of love by the bandit turned hero towards to heroine by Ang Lee was done masterfully. At about 60th minute of the movie, the girl is taking a bath in a ditch filled water heated by stones by the boy (bandit). The boy expresses his interest to the girl with a song who first starts to sing in Chinese and then switches to Turkish assuming the girl would be Han( Turkic people). The song is the implication of his interest in the girl. The girl feels it perhaps understands it a little since she later asks the boy, " You thought I was Han, but I am Manchurian". This melts the ice between the girl and the boy.

It is kind of boring.

Beautiful cinematography and choreography.