The artistry shown in every shot is what got me at first. The plot was slow to unravel but the insight into the Chinese mind beckoned in every scene. I'd always heard that the culture was highly advanced but seldom saw any sign of it. What was needed was some vision of their idea of beauty. Some was shown in the movies of Ang Lee, but this movie is far more authentic in my opinion. It stands by itself. It's a slow mover, but well worth the wait.
