I saw this film in 2002.  I was initially shocked, because in reading all the reviews I had overlooked the fact that it was subtitled.  Of course, subtitles are easier for me than audible speech, so I quickly forgot they were there.  I had heard interviews of Michelle

Yeoh, so I anticipated her role differently.  This was another brief hurdle for me. 

The major rush for me was the cinematography.  The scenery on location was fantastic and beautiful and the wirework was mostly an excellent special effect.  The hype about the wirework in the treetops was technically correct, but not as dramatic for me as the nighttime chases up building walls and over rooftops.  I can remember

having dreams as a kid about flying and this was exactly the way it felt in my dreams. 

In contrast however, I thought the tree top stuff a little hokey.  Still the fight scenes were incredibly well choreographed.  The camera work on them is just short of amazing.  Ang Lee deserves some kind of award for this film.  I hope he gets it.  This is one of those movies that you have to plan to see more than once in order to get everything.  I can't wait for the DVD.  I haven't said much about the story line.  The repression in the relationship between the two main characters adds to the film's growing tension.  This is reminiscent of the Jane Austen love affairs, which develop to a fever pitch with longing looks and no action.  It's not 'Sleepless in Seattle' but romantic tension carries through the whole film in the same manner.  This is truly a gender-age crossing film, with something for everyone.