I watch a lot of foreign films, usually European, but by accident I discovered a genre of Japanese and some Chinese films that I just cannot seem to find enough of- especially the really good ones. Many of these movies have weak story lines (House of Flying Daggers is an exception). They usually involve many exaggerated fighting scenes, and fortunately the bloody scenes are theatrical rather than gory. Too much fighting- too much violence, so what got me 'hooked' on them?

They are pure art! Every scene is like a magnificent painting and the colors and choreography are superb. Ninjas make incredible, graceful leaps through the air. No human can make jumps like that, but the scenes are crafted so beautifully that one is willing to suspend belief. It is Art, after all, not reality. Yimou Zhang, the Chinese director of this film is definitely one of the best and was the person responsible for the spectacular opening of the Olympics in China. I must admit that when I watch one of these movies, I become completely entranced by the magical weave of color and motion. They are definitely theater at its finest.