John Woo goes epic in this story which is part history lesson and part martial arts fighting a la Crouching Tiger. It starts off as though its going to race through all the plot to get to the action and introducing a bewildering array of characters. The dreadful American voice over clashes with the chinese dialogue. However, it then finds its rhythm - pausing for some beautifully restrained moments and leaping forward with some stunningly balletic fight scenes - Woo at his best. There is some beautiful imagery, even if some of the CGi doesn't quite hold up and fascinating battle of wits between the tacticians and then it ends as hurriedly as it began. Not perfect by any means, but beautiful and fascinating in equal measure.
Chi bi (2008)
