Very well executed

Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

This is no doubt the best wuxia film of the 90's. The costume, fight scenes and compelling cast all add up to an excellent and engrossing film. The story revolves around swordsman Ling Wu Chung (Jet Li) who on his way to retreat from the martial arts world, having to rescue a kidnapped leader of the Sun Moon Sect and confronting the powerful Asia, a person who have master an invincible form of martial arts, but at a terrible price. Yes, the plot is complex but is far more interesting than the simple and cliche "you kill my master, I want revenge" plot we get from some other martial arts films. The brillant colours and thrilling action scenes are also well-made and serves to grab and hold the attention of the audience until the very end of the film. All in all, a superb film. Those who thought "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was the best martial arts will have to see this film.

I am a big fan of Hong Kong films. I love high-flying crazy flying swordsman movies. I am a fan of Jet Li. I am a fan of Ching Siu-Tung. But this movie is not that good! Everying is filmed in the dark, with quick blurry camera movements to cover up the use of wires. The fights are just badly filmed, and since thats all this movie has going for it... Well, okay, the final 15 minutes of battle is pretty good. But that is replayed in the beginning of the superior sequel THE EAST IS RED. Go see that one instead. Or see A CHINESE GHOST STORY or MOON WARRIORS or TAI CHI MASTER or even KUNG FU CULT MASTER. All much better movies than this.

I won't throw out any spoilers, just assure you that this is a great classic of fantasy martial arts films. If you find yourself unable to follow the story or action, just rewatch it a few times. It only gets better and better.I would highly recommend watching swordsman one first though. There are many links in the story and it is nearly as good as part two. The only regrettable thing is that different actors play the same characters (Only Blue Phoenix is played by the same actor in both films).If you enjoy complex plots, scheming factions, dreamlike landscapes and outrageous martial arts all tied together in a whimsical Daoist song about the transient comedy of life, the Swordsman series is for you.

Having been a big fan of Hong-kong fantasy action movies(chinese ghost story 1,2,3..and etc..) especially I completely captivated by this one. When I first saw this movie, I was only 14. this movie was brought a great popularity and main stars Brigitte Lin and Jet li became household name in here, South Korea. I still remember when these two stars visited here to promote, Brigitte Lin had to escaped from being run over by her fans in Korea.She plays "Asia the invincible" who's gave up his manly symbol to become the best sword man. Jet li plays another great sword man who's pure, sincere to his belief. On the way to find his men, came across "Asia the invincible" several times. although "Asia the invincible" is a villain who's so brutal when he eliminates his enemy, starts attracted to Jet li. and Jet li does too.But the development relationship between Jet li and "Asia the invincible" can hardly describe. actually both of them are men. It can be called "Homosexual interest". but it doesn't a big deal. In fact I think this made this movie more unique, and sensual, joyful to watch.Striking, powerful performance by Brigitte. she had been my idol for years. it's a really pity that she had disappear from the screen after getting married. it's a role really hard to play. but she's charismatic enough to command the whole movie. her last scene still haunting me. can't believe she was almost 40 when she did shoot this one.The early Jet li so cute, and I really admire his martial arts skills( although most of his martial arts here are computer-generated or wire actions ) I can't count how many times I've seen this movie. action sequences so beautiful and stunning. See this movie. it will be unusual experience!!!