I saw it at BIFF and I thought the Redux was good. I don’t know about Wong “butchering” it. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve already seen the original film, but I felt like this one was perhaps easier to understand and maybe more coherent. There’s a longer period without fighting at the start because of the removal of early battle sequences, but I don’t think that’s really an issue. Wong is not really known for his battle sequences. It’s not like John McTiernan went back and removed half the battle scenes from Die Hard or anything.
All these complaints are just fanboys whining that the film is different. Even if he’d kept everything in and added another half an hour, there still would probably be complaints (Apocalypse Now Redux anyone?). It’s not worse, it’s just different. People just get attached to what was originally there and are unable to see past the removal of sequences and changing of music. It’s just nostalgia. I mean, hey, I’m very nostalgic, but Redux is a different film. I don’t see it as a replacement of the original, but as a later career re-evaluation of his work. Those posts make it sound like Wong has gone mad and destroyed his film. Bullshit. Wong knew what he was doing and it shows. Redux is a tightening of a film that he had many production problems with. Ashes of Time (the original) is a good example of Wong then. Redux is a good example of Wong as he is now. Of course it’s going to be different. Everyone should just get over it.
