WRT Crouching Tiger....purposely and uncharacteristically, I read no reviews of this picture prior to seeing it, so I had no expectations other than those which were raised following my only viewing of the trailer.
Overall impression - it was like watching someone else's dream, or a myth come to life. The plot was fairly simple and straightforward - a great warrior's sword is stolen and must be recovered - yet the layers of action surrounding it were handled so deftly.
And the fight sequences! Gorgeous, best fight choreography I've ever seen. The use of flying never became heavy-handed; I,unlike Ace, detected no wires and sat open-mouthed at how beautifully it worked. I also loved the fact that the women were flat-out asskickers. Best fight scene in the movie had to be the one between Jen and Shu. The most beautiful was the one in the trees between Jen and Mu Bai. Most hilarious was Jen in the bar - "I AM THE INVINCIBLE SWORD GODDESS!" (a line which will forever more be employed in my home.)
And it wasn't just a martial arts picture, which is I think it's greatest strength and attraction. The movie doesn't exist simply to show fight scenes. There's depth to the characters, and I found it easy to become involved in their stories. The long flashback to the genesis of Lo and Jen's connection was absolutely captivating and utterly romantic.
Loved it, loved it, loved it. Will see it again when it comes to a theatre near me, because I am not going up to Loew's Pentagon City again. Too many rude city folks.
