i fucking love the criterion poster for this. i think this is the first martial-arts action movie i've ever, funny enough. i was just never exposed to these as a kid, and even now, i've been sleeping.
pretty good, though. i of course don't really have any extended thoughts on this, being it's a first-ever sorta watch for this genre. wuxia? martial arts? both i guess
many apparent similarities to the devil's backbone, even down to the identical open-closing narration and visual design of the ghosts. i guess first impressions on hollywood-guillero is worse than i hoped, but it doesn't look like i picked one of his "best" according to general consensus. i was hoping to like this, have an odd opinion, but i can't really give it a lot of points. and, if this just feels (almost. i give it a few points.) like if an algorithm designed a del toro, at least his amazing violence is still on display. it's such a treat.
very excited to start checking out del toro's filmography. only really here in the first place because of how enthusiastic the man himself is about cinema. that intense passion is clearly apparent in this.
why did movies even keep getting made after this came out. there's no point. gaspar noe won. he beat you. he beat everyone.
criterion blu-ray is stunning. this is such a great movie. first time i got around to watching it, i got so caught up in the first segment i thought lesser of the other two. this time, i've come to love 'em all.
restored cut
terrifically plotted. first orson welles film besides f for fake. i've got to say- this man was a fascinating talent.
difficult to give any solid thoughts or ideas as of now. so glad i finally checked this masterful trilogy out, though. kieślowski's work is amazing. irène jacob is the most gorgeous woman i've ever seen. this may be my personal favorite of the trilogy- though they're all great.