Just perfect...

A lot of fun.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

Now, reading through the reviews here I see there are obviously two kinds of people: ones who get it, and ones who don't. Get what? one might ask. That this film is not to be taken seriously by any means. Yes, it's badly presented (myself too was expecting something in the vein of Hidden Dragon/Flying Daggers). But it has nothing to do with them whatsoever. What it is it's a romantic comedy/parody. Anyone looking for "action", "drama", "fight scenes", should look somewhere else. Of course, it's a weak film, but I kinda liked the goofiness of it. When I saw the copying files animation when a character was transferring her powers, I was like "ok, hold on, what is going on here?". Of course most of the attempts at comedy are pathetic. It is indeed a high-school comedy transported in medieval China. Everything works out at the end and you feel a warm feeling of completeness. Some (ok maybe one) of the dances of the blind man I found quite well done. I repeat - the film is a goofy little flick, easy too watch, hyper predictable. If you expect anything else from it you will be disappointed. And how funny life is - I don't know what curiosity pushed me to find a little more of the main actors. Oh boy. The main character - Cecilia Cheung involved in a major sex scandal?! To see the fearless warrior, White Dragon performing fellatio on a guy?! Oh, the irony.

This movie seemed promising, following in the wake of movies like House of Flying Daggers and Crouching Tiger, Hidden dragon, this movie seemed to follow in their footsteps. Already a few minutes into the movie, I find that I am partially right, the wire-work and choreography is clearly inspired by previously mentioned movies, however, the quality of said elements lacks the dance-like qualities Crouching tiger, Hidden dragon and Flying daggers had, and the tempo makes it less enjoyable to view. The movie has some interesting camera use, but it doesn't reach the sophisticated level of the two previously mentioned movies.This movie clearly shows how eastern movie-making becomes heavily influenced by western ideas of how a movie is supposed to be made. Roughly the first half hour of this movie could just as well have been an American college-movie moved to a Dynasty era China. The dialog and thematics are heavily modernized. You even hear some modern expressions and one asiafied American brand name, if this is supposed to be a joke, or very poorly disguised product placement, I don't know.The plot is strikingly similar to any American romantic comedy, and the ending fails to surprise with anything, except exceeding all limits for exactly how happy it can be, almost to the point where it becomes parodic, but not quite.All in all, I feel that this movie had promised me another Flying Daggers, but ended up giving me an Asiatic movie that tried too hard to appeal to a western audience, and ended up turning silly, possibly even provoking for fans of Asian movie-making.

Saw this on a double bill with "Springtime in a Small Town".What an odd pairing!"Springtime" was a deliberately paced, beautiful period piece and "The White Dragon" was an in-your-face laugh riot.Another movie patron warned me that I would be wasting my time, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Never laughed so hard at an Asian film!A lot of sight gags but Francis Ng's over the top performance won me over. Cecilia Cheung does a credible job as his foil.Certainly not "high art", but if you desire a little levity and silliness, you won't be disappointed.The late afternoon-evening that I spent watching these two films is one of my favorite solo adult experiences, so they'll always hold a place in my heart.

I chanced upon this film quite accidentally. It was double-billed with "Springtime in a Small Town" and lucky for me, simply enjoyed it wholeheartedly.This is a 'martial arts' film, told like a folklore, in period costumes and sets (prince and palaces), yet with modern touches noted in the dialog exchanges. Among the scenes of sword fights, kung fu artists jumping, flying around in woods and forests, rooftops and walls, there are constant witty banters and the use of pun on colloquial idioms and visual references. If you know Cantonese, you're bound to be readily giggling with delight the way the fun-poking lines being tossed around by the actors and actresses. There is an endearing casual rhythm to how the words are thrown out, matching the action or movement at hand. An example of a modern touch (probably recognized by anyone who's familiar with using computers and the Internet): the sign of 'downloading' on screen is being 'borrowed' (where the subtitle is) to denote transference of mastery power from one character to another (our heroine of the story played by Cecilia Cheung, to be specific). Hm, ain't it cool! I like "White Dragon" more than "House of Flying Daggers" - both had scenes of action sequences among trees and bamboo, a blind hero (in 'Dragon')/heroine (in 'House'), noble intentions - somehow the storyline is more substantial, lively and playful, and endearing in "White Dragon." There's no dispute as to how stylish the way "House of Flying Daggers" was cinematic ally presented, how lavish the costumes in colors and fluid in movements, yet like "Hero," there's a certain aloofness to director Zhang Yimou's two recent highly artistic filmic efforts (sort of precious but touch me not). While director Wilson Yip gave us a story that we can simply get down and literally rollick with the characters, laugh and cheer with them to the basic values of good triumphs over evil, and love can win and unite hearts.With "House" - we are kept at a distance, just watching in awe how beautiful Zhang Ziyi is and the sceneries and props. With "Dragon" - we get to jump in and be next to Cecilia Cheung's "Litte White Dragon," her spunk, swiftness and warm smiles, and Francis Ng's "A floor of Chicken Feathers," the personable blind assassin with heart, gentleness and quiet moves. The way the film is directed appeals to both young and old. Another modern approach example: the scene in the shop, the words uttered (subtitle translations) reminded me of moments in 'teenage' films like Tina Fey's "Mean Girls." Some might find the humor 'silly', while some may take it as comic relief with ease."(Little) White Dragon" (2004) is available on DVD - yes, NTSC ALL region, widescreen, DTS sound, 93 mins., subtitles English and Chinese. For more info, try a search on "White Dragon" "Wilson Yip 2004" or can check out Asian DVD stores online. If you want entertaining action and drama, fun and wit, charming romance, non-heavy-handed treatment, give this film a chance. A literal translation of the film's Chinese title can be: "Little White Dragon: Tempestuous Sea of Emotions." Other Zhang Yimou films worth seeing are: "Happy Times" (2001), "Not One Less"(1999), "Ju Dou" (1990), "Red Sorghum" (1987).