This martial-arts drama seems to have been made with one of those jumbo packs of crayons – costumes, landscapes and interior design all burst with vibrant hues. Acclaimed director Zhang Yimou (Raise the Red Lantern) assembles a glittering roster of Asian acting talent, including Jet Li, (Romeo Must Die), Zhang Ziyi (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung. The latter two, so still and riveting as the unrequited lovers of In the Mood for Love, are wildly passionate here as duelling assassins.
