Wong Kar-Wai takes a stab at the wuxia genre, with typically Wong-ish results. Stunningly gorgeous photography (and actors) by Chris Doyle, lots of slo-mo and atmospheric ambiance, and plenty of introspective voice-over. The fight scenes are brief, which is just as well since they're easily the worst parts of the film. Messy and confusing, one can imagine that Wong -- perhaps rightfully so -- didn't really care if the audience could follow the action. The plot is a bit confusing as well, with jumps in time and actors in dual roles, but I never felt too lost. The philosophical musings are also a bit too much like something from a fortune cookie... they sound good, but aren't really imparting any great wisdom. Like a lot of Wong, it traffics in a weightiness that its depth doesn't merit, but is so effective at establishing mood and tantalizing the senses that it feels like something special. Vaguely unsatisfying, yet entrancing.
Review of Ashes of Time
