Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny

Weinstein Company, The | Release Date: February 26, 2016

5.3	USER SCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 49 Ratings

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BertoflyingfoxFeb 28, 2016

A solid 7 for me. I wasnt expecting it to be of the same calibre as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" because well...this isnt the same director/crew as back then and I'm not sure why people would expect an exact re-tread of the first movie.A solid 7 for me. I wasnt expecting it to be of the same calibre as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" because well...this isnt the same director/crew as back then and I'm not sure why people would expect an exact re-tread of the first movie.

Director Yuen Woo-ping did a great job. Netflix clearly wanted a much less deep story to tell but with obvious connections to the first and I feel this delivered. The sets and fight scenes were the parts I enjoyed most, while some of the character development felt a bit rushed.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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lghulmFeb 27, 2016

I am glad I read some reviews before watching. They lowered my expectations and let me know I was not going to get a movie in the same vein as the first (which was a 10/10). Instead I got a classic bit of kung-fu drama, not shakespearian byI am glad I read some reviews before watching. They lowered my expectations and let me know I was not going to get a movie in the same vein as the first (which was a 10/10). Instead I got a classic bit of kung-fu drama, not shakespearian by any means but clock-full of genre tropes and good fun because of it. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie but those that say it is very different to the Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon are right.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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quincytheodoreFeb 26, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A smaller approach to the epic saga, a fine dance of blades nevertheless.

Bearing a legendary name can be either a blessing or a curse, "Sword of Destiny" is bound to be compared with its Oscar level predecessor. To be fair, the lack of Ang Lee's visual vision is truly apparent and the movie operates on smaller production as well, however that doesn't take away from its identifiable stylish choreography. This is a solid action martial art movie that is burdened by the legacy and expectation of its name.

Story resonates with the first movie in more ways than one. It has a couple of estranged romance plots in the backdrop of martial art world, which feels like an attempt to replicate the already proven formula. It's admittedly difficult not to be haunted by the ghost of the original, specifically since it doesn't have the same caliber of chemistry, for example the mentor-student relationship is clearly inferior to those of Chow Yun Fat and Zhang Ziyi had.

Still, "Sword of Destiny" has a couple of surprises. It works better when it’s trying to develop something of its own, although it's a difficult endeavor since the movie utilizes so many nostalgia angles. The subplot with younger couple is decent, it's one of the flashbacks which doesn't feel encumbering.

The antagonist side is actually interesting, with more sinister villain and henchmen. The female assassin is intriguingly strong, perhaps more than the ragtag army from opposite side. It also has strange witch character who gives prophecy. In a way the movie has archaic oriental touch like that of Dragon Tiger Gate. Unfortunately, they are not given more spotlight beyond typical bad guys.

Without Ang Lee, the visual is certainly different. The original had such gripping vistas, even more enchanted by the characters leaping through the air. That sense of liberation is now more constrained in plain or dark spaces. However, "Sword of Destiny" will not disappoint in the fighting department, in fact this is a more than decent showing for Wu Xia.

The action choreography is appropriately done. There's a benefit in having Woo Yuen Ping as director as he knows how to implement the scenes with fluidity. Fight scenes are gripping and intense, using the mix of blinding fast as well as technique strikes. It's one of the better displays of martial art genre, even compared to higher budget titles.

"Sword of Destiny" deals with the same predicament as the characters, it's haunted by the legend of Li Mu Bai, which is an inherited risk of donning the name "Crunching Tiger Hidden Dragon". It's quite unfortunate since it might distract audience from what is a good stylish action movie on its own.

PS: It seems Netflix version is in English, but the one shown in IMAX has Chinese dub with English subtitle.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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UntoldAv3nGerApr 23, 2016

I am glad I had low expectations, because they were fulfilled and THEN some. Sword of Destiny has its cheesy moments, but also has its amazing ones. Often, the movie rivals and sometimes exceeds Crouchin Tiger Hidden Dragon. It fails in someI am glad I had low expectations, because they were fulfilled and THEN some. Sword of Destiny has its cheesy moments, but also has its amazing ones. Often, the movie rivals and sometimes exceeds Crouchin Tiger Hidden Dragon. It fails in some areas, but I love this movie and already know it (like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) will be one of my favorites.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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StatariusDec 23, 2021

Ignore most of the critiques.
If you liked the original, you’ll love this.
Enough of the old to be legitimate, blended with wonderful new characters & story.

Above all, it’s *gorgeous*, and provides closure.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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