Although good in design and in content, Clara Law somehow fails to invoke emotion or response from her audience due to lack of character depth.The topics of betrayal and loyalty are confronted here, but neither are deeply explored by Law, who instead opts for visual grandeur in bloody battles and breathtaking backdrops. Andrew Lesnie's cinematography is an outstanding feast of colour and movement, with stunning scenery thrown in for good measure.Wu Hsin-kuo does convince us of the struggle within to forgive an free himself of his past, and his performance goes some way to lending the film focus and strength. In worthy support is Joan Chen, who makes the most of her rather meaningless character. More enjoyable is Michael Lee as an hundred year old abbot whose wit serves him well.Alas any true depth or searching, meaningful dialogue in Eddie Fong Ling-Ching an Lilian Lee's screenplay (based upon Lee's novella) is lost in Clara Law's all too grand approach which is visually stimulating yet intellectually void.Monday, April 28, 1997 - Hoyts Croydon

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.)

Although I have quite a lot knowledge of Chinese history, it does not help me understanding any part of this film. All the actors behaved strangely, seems to me that they were born on another planet. For example, no one answers other people's questions directly. The mood of this film overall is stressful, non-interesting.

The first and foremost aspects to be appreciated in this movie by Clara Law are its cinematography and directing. Both aspects are marvelous. The scenes are beautiful and you'll see magnificent colors skillfully contrasted. The performances are great as well. Just watch it. At least you wouldn't see a monk and a nun 'caught in action' anywhere else. By the way, in general Clara Law is a great filmmaker. I recommend you to watch her 'Farewell to China'. Have a good viewing :)