When I first watched this three years ago, I didn't like it at all. In fact, I strongly disliked it. I've never liked Faye Wong and I'm so-so on Vicky Zhao Wei, but mostly I found the movie to be disjointed and the jokes stupid.

But I watched it again this week and actually liked it. Maybe I went into it with less than zero expectations, but more likely I just accepted it for what it was. One thing it is, is a sumptuous feast for the eyes. The colors and cinemotography are world class. The acting works; the two female leads took care of their assignments (though I still don't like Faye Wong much) and Tony Leung proved again that he's one of the best actors working anywhere. He plays his character with the perfect amounts of naivete and bluster. Is there anything this man can't do?

The story itself is simple enough, though the fact that both lead actresses dress as men and Faye Wong's character gets into a love triange with Tony and Zhao Wei, who play brother and sister, makes it a little confusing at times.

One thing that didn't improve much with a second viewing was the humor; some of the jokes are too broad and on the dumb side. There is a lot of satire on epic period piece romance movies, and much of it is amusing and effective. I would compare this movie, in concept, to a Monty Python film in which great attention is given to costume, set, and cinematography, with actors doing silly things with great intensity. The difference is that the visual is superior in Chinese Odyssey 2002, the jokes inferior. But it always stays true to itself, and that's worth something.

I'm a fan of Jeff Lau, but this isn't his best work. Still, it's decent and the love story is affecting. You may have to watch it a couple times to be convinced. On the other hand, it's not for everybody and a second viewing may annoy the heck out of you.