Perhaps it is an issue of limited viewing sample size on my part (just the recent, obvious, blockbuster ones) but: what is it with the Chinese historical epics and their tragic unrequited or barely-requited love stories?
Exhibit A: House of Flying Daggers
I enjoyed this movie very much. The cinematography was fantastic and it didn't have the political didactics of Hero. Also nice to see that Zhang Ziyi continuing to get good parts. I suppose it helps when you're dating an eminent film director. The fight scenes were interesting. The character development was a little predictable, except, perhaps, for the third member of the love triangle ... but once everything was set up for the finale ... look out. The last few minutes have an unfortunate ratio of "this is meant to be a tear-jerker" to "oh come on, that is ridiculous".
Looking back on it, I have to say, just in terms of the characters, I preferred -
Exhibit B: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Michelle Yeoh / Chow Yun-Fat love story seemed consistent and credible given their characters. The ending of this movie was set up far more believeably than House of Flying Daggers and I had more empathy for the characters as a result.
I hope I see a Chinese martial arts epic with a happier ending one of these days.
Don't get me wrong though - House of Flying Daggers is very much worth watching. If you are at all intrigued, catch it on the big screen.
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