Chow Yun-Fat portrays "Master Li," who enlists the help of Michelle Yeoh’s character, “Yu Shu Lien,” to transport his renowned sword, "Green Destiny," to "Sir Te" (Sihung Lung) at the Imperial court. However, security proves surprisingly lax, and the sword is pilfered by a skilled thief who narrowly evades “Shu Lien's” pursuit; she believes she recognizes the culprit. A stopover with "Jen" (Ziyi Zhang), followed by the sword’s temporary recovery, seems to validate her assumptions. But when the sword vanishes again, beyond implicating "Sir Te," it initiates a string of escapades for “Li,” “Shu Lien,” and “Jen,” suggesting a link to his past adversary, "Jade Fox" (Pei-Pei Cheng). A touch of romance develops subtly throughout, though the film primarily functions as a swiftly moving adventure. The visuals are striking, supporting a strong narrative rooted in captivating mythology and abundant sword fighting. Unlike many films within its category, the action sequences feel organic and don’t overstay their welcome. It offers a more engaging storyline that draws viewers into the unfolding mystery, the personal feud, and even the understated romantic elements. In my opinion, this is Ang Lee's finest work to date and deserves to be experienced in a cinema if possible.

Source on TMDB