When critics are this united, it’s almost better to be skeptical. Hey, why not? We’ve been burned so many times before, it’s difficult not to be. However, everything after the first fight scene will alleviate your doubts and make you a believer. What’s instantly fascinating is how the basic incarnations of superheroes exist from culture to culture. Some will think this cliché, but Chow Yun-Fat’s character is simply a precursor or variation of our Superman. And from a strictly analytical standpoint, the numerous aspects of myth and legend represented are impressive. But critics should not be let off the hook entirely. They still, in many ways, miss the larger picture. Moreover, I freely admit and acknowledge that a number of movie patrons simply won’t like this. Even though I personally did, I can see how someone wouldn’t. Not all movies are for all people, and this just needs to be pointed out occasionally.

      While a great film overall, CROUCHING TIGER does drag a bit during an excessively long flashback, which didn’t need to be so. And while the hero’s outcome is in keeping with traditional myth and legend, the very ending was a little too artsy fartsy for my tastes. I doubt that most people will get it, if there’s anything to get that is. (Deliberately not being specific isn’t always the genius some reviewers would have us believe.) I also don’t recall this being brought up anywhere else, but I highly question the accuracy of the English translation. Certain words seemed a little too modern or pop culture for this setting. But make no mistake; if you’re looking for something other than the norm, this is a great film to see.