Disappointed

Rating: Null/10 (19 March 2001)

I'm probably going against the current consensus of opinion when I state that I didn't find "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", that satisfying a film. Granted, the action sequences are very good. However, over the years, I've seen a few 'martial arts' films, that have been just as spectacularly staged ("The Fate of Lee Kahn", "Dragon Gate Inn", and "Five Fingers Of Death", are three that immediately come to mind).
The plot device, that of a 'student' set on avenging the death of his 'master', is common to most 'martial arts/kung fu' films, and is no different in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", as it is in the most rudimentary of 'Ninja' films that clutter up the shelves at my local video store.
I agree that the photography is wonderful. The scenery is breath-taking, yet I found the film peculiarly 'empty' This is a great pity, as director Ang Lee has made some fine films.