Nominee
Two things:
1.) This movie is extremely entertaining.
2.) At first I wasn't sure if this movie should have been nominated for best picture. However, I think after much consideration that this movie exemplifies the power of pure entertainment; that a movie can be great because it is quite simply enjoyable to watch. Yet if that is going to be the bulk of your content then I think it needs to be accompanied by a deeper understanding of the craft of film. Which is how you get a blockbuster like this.
I have a soft spot for Kung Fu movies, although my knowledge is limited at best. I find fast paced, high flying battle scenes exhilarating! (Not that it is really a true kung fu movie but Kill Bill Volume 1...so much fun!) Also I think it speaks testaments to the genre that I do not have a complete cultural understanding of the form, but I still can watch it and appreciate the amount of work and precision that is taken in this style.
Plot-wise I actually thought it never really climaxed. At times it felt like the exposition never ended. I mean it seemed like Li Mui Bai was gearing up to train Jen...but it just never happened. Also the sword, Green Destiny, is stolen and then its put back...I feel like that happened a couple times. Still there was something about the epic female martial artists through out that made me not really care that there was limited movement in the story arc. Plus my ultra feminine side is showing but I am occasionally a sucker for forbidden love plots. There are two here and although I try to avoid spoilers in general on this blog, lets just say the ending isn't exactly happy. Yay tear jerkers!
Yet before I end I really want to highlight why this movie was really as good as it was. The camera angles and quick fast paced editing is what sets this movie apart from others of its genre. The care and precision that is shown makes the battle scenes cohesive and enjoyable while also being seamless is unparalleled. At times the editing was apparent and stylized and others it was barely noticeable, they created a balance, that takes a lot of work. I applaud their efforts.
Overall: I really enjoyed viewing this movie. I didn't get much out it intellectually but not every movie has to have deep meaningful dialogue in order to be good. Sometimes you just want a really well done sword fight. Just watch and enjoy!
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