It's impossible not to give this film a top ranking, a picture from the directorial and writing team of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, but, be warned: firstly, it's heavy going and complex psychologically; secondly, it's a slow starter and I do mean slow. However, there's immaculate craftsmanship both sides of the camera. Give the film time to get going and pay attention, then take a deep breath, you will be rewarded. It's not only the intense sexual scenes on display in the second half, it's all the ramifications of them and a great deal more besides. For a WWII movie it's not exactly high action, but the rare opportunity to view the conflict from a Chinese perspective should be motivation enough to see it. Closest movie to it plot wise is Paul Verhoven's Black Book, an easier watch, but not a masterpiece like this.

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