I watched it for the first time in 1987 (or 88 may be) when I was 7/8 yrs old. My premier school organized we students(with teacher also) to watch it. The movie name in Chinese is "Mirage" which is an effect caused by hot air in a desert, which makes you think that you can see objects when they are not actually there. However it's SOMEWHERE! In this movie, it's the beautiful girl/bandit leader.
Good points: 1. This movie is taken in Xing Jiang Province. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is also taken there for a couple of minutes, where Ms.Zhang Zi Yi met her boyfriend(also a bandit) :). This province is the most remote province(also biggest) and it's close to a few former Soviet Union countries. Actually the bandits are supposed to be some kinds of Russians/White Russians, especially a few leaders. Very few movie is pictured there and the scene is really wild, real and original. Two main actress are minorities of China. In China we have around 56 nations.
2. The fighting and bombing scenes are still excellent even in today's China - Year 2008 although it's taken 20 yrs ago. Of course it cannot be compared with Hollywood GIANT movies.
3. The best part layer 1: Mirage means Real thing, real somewhere, should be not very faraway, people can Touch it! The best part layer 2: The REAL THING is not as good as it is in a Mirage, gorgeous dream girl but bandit!
I watched it for the 2nd time after 20 years and I just feel as good as 20 yrs ago-Yesterday Once Again. This is definitely a Top 10 China movie. Everyone should not miss it. Before I die, I'll backpacker the WHOLE Xing Jiang Province, by my own to meet some one attractive, or with someone I love.
Claude 2008.7.8
