BeanPuncher One of the greatest non-Kurasawa movies of it's kind, this film has epic scope. The somewhat over the top action sequences are subtle compared to most Chinese films. It all fits and works well together. I viewed this film by accidentally recording it on DVR the first time. What really surprised me was the macho style warrior stuff. You wouldn't think a female director would pull off those stereotypically male sensibilities so well. The film takes several turns, has comedy, adventure, drama, and near the end becomes very spiritual. It's sad that more of the great movies being made in China, Korea, and Thailand don't get any press here in the states. The stream of regurgitated watered down garbage choking out of Hollywood can't compare to many of the movies from overseas these days. Perhaps one day the moguls will realize that people really respond to art and personal stories more than what star is in the film. The American movie audience isn't nearly as sedate as the marketing specialists think. We just don't have much of a choice.

lyone-fein This excellent film gives viewers an entry into some of China's religious cultural traditions--from the point of view of a very irreligious man. Beginning in a traditional Confucian setting, the film follows a successful military man as he finds himself at the mercy of the fickle politics that dominate the court of the T'ang Dynasty. Inadvertently manipulated into betraying some of the most fundamental values of Confucian virtue and filial piety, the main character is forced to go into hiding, taking refuge in a Buddhist monastary. Of course, "taking refuge" is a pun--for that is what it is called when a person converts to Buddhism--but for the central character it is quite literal.As he continues to live in his new environment, the former general finds himself struggling with profound inner questions about the kind of life he has lead up until now. Throughout the course of the film, even as he continuously tries to flee his former life, he is forced to confront and deal with the consequences of his many past actions. He learns the truth of the Buddhist teachings as, one by one, all the things that he held dear--his family, his lover, his pride--are taken from him.This is truly a sublime film that can speak to audiences on many levels: as beautiful cinema, as great art, as engrossing entertainment, and as an opportunity to reflect on some substantial questions.(P.S. This film also contains the most visually stunning sex scene I have ever seen.)

bgilch "Temptation of a Monk" has a bit of everything. It starts out as a dry morality tale of a kingdom collapsing under historical duress. Here it is pretty and easily mimics Chen Kaige. It then turns into a wandering ronin movie with comedic touches and low culture carnival. But then our hero, the exiled and chased bodyguard, hides in a monastery and brings violence and sex that threaten the spiritual lessons of the cloistered environment. And so on.This film manages to make numerous changes of course and imitates almost every genre of historical Chinese filmmaking. From the high culture ideal of the court to the equal severity of the cloister to the comedic about face of the hot-tub scene, director Law shows a playful seriousness and the power of mimicry as she rapidly changes forms--even as the film heads towards a seemingly inevitable spaghetti eastern showdown replete with fire and destruction to make Clint Eastwood blush. That is, if Clint hadn't already blushed at the fabulously hetero sex scene. Stoic lust never looked so good, or so demanding.The acting is very strong; the cinematography first-class and often breathtaking with its numerous different landscapes and set constructions. And the battle scenes are of course expertly delivered.SUM: This film is knowledgeable fun for those who know the high forms of Asian cinema but who want the swords put to good, if tasteful, use. Deserved winner of numerous Hong Kong film awards 8.5/10

Varlaam Like the Kurosawa film, this one promises more than it delivers. There are a lot of spectacular vistas, but ultimately what is lacking is story or dramatic punch.Perhaps the misleading ad campaign was to blame, and this film improves on second viewing. It would be nice to think so; it has a number of good elements.