Phenomenal. Action cinema was in an interesting phase around this time period, and this fits right in with films like _The Matrix_. The storytelling, acting, cinematography, music and spectacle all come together so seamlessly, it’s a shame we don’t get these mature action movies as often anymore. Great characters, interesting themes and messaging (if a little on the nose, this could’ve been handled with more subtlety) and some of the best choreography of all time. I also like how there’s a poetry to the action, there’s an underlying emotional arc to every fight scene that’s often forgotten about in Hollywood action movies. The lighting and framing are gorgeous, Ang Lee is a brilliant visual stylist. My only gripe comes with the wirework being so obvious for the jumping. It’s preferable over CGI of course, but it looks clumsy next to how smooth the fight scenes are.

8.5/10