Butterfly Sword Reviews

Though overly complex (at times, incomprehensible) plot-wise, the fantasy sword-fu flick Butterfly & Sword does feature some utterly fabulous fight choreography and spectacular stunts. One of Michelle Yeoh's string of movies after her successful comeback in Supercop, the film also features excellent sword-work--try to ignore the unfortunate hairstyle--from Donnie Yen, and what is, for this movie, a restrained performance from Tony Leung. All three actors are better than the film really deserves, and Joey Wang's soap-opera performance makes for an odd contrast. Still, it's great fun to watch, as long as you don't try to follow the plot, or the subtitles, too closely. Far more entertainment value is to be had from the high-flying stunts and fight scenes, which include improbable feats with ribbons, extravagant sword work, sumptuous costumes and sets, and what appears to be an enormous flying boxcar. While hardly a classic, Butterfly & Sword is a great opportunity to see a highly accomplished cast engaged in pure entertainment. Just don't think about it too hard.