Simply didn't appeal to me

Rating: 5/10 (16 May 2001)

I guess I should burn in hell now. Oooh, I just badmouthed the *wink wink* superior "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Well, if people can badmouth "American Beauty," I have as much right to give my not-so-satisfying opinion on this flick. It's all a matter of opinion. I, personally, can't fathom why it recieved the Number 12 Spot on the Top 250, but I'm not going to start whining.
Others were amazed by the film's "breathtaking stunts and fight scenes." I thought the scenery was great and so was the cinematography, and Ang Lee is in fact a talented director--check out his earlier drama "The Ice Storm." I just didn't feel the romance and the goofy-looking martial arts blended well together.
People keep saying, you shouldn't look at this as a martial arts flick; it's a love story. Yes, it is. But a special one? Hardly. Hollywood hasn't exactly been fleshing out the best love stories in recent years, but I see nothing that makes this love story involving the pursuit of a comb--that's right, don't take it out of context--special.
Sure, I know this is just a movie, but when I watch people running up trees, running across water and flying off roofs--I don't give a damn how many Oscars the movie was nominated for! I have to laugh! Am I supposed to be stunned? If you are stunned by that kind of stuff, good for you. I couldn't help but find unintentional comic irony.
The acting is good. I like Ang Lee's decision to use subtitles, as opposed to ludicrous dubbing. That would've made it look sillier. Ang Lee definitely put his best efforts into making the film; I just didn't appreciate the material.
I do think that people are exaggerating the film's effect on audiences, though. Talking about how it was "applauded at the Caanes Film Festival" and that was only after the first fight sequence. Well, naturally! The director is in the theater with the viewers! Don't be surprised to spot a swarm of butt-kissers! Let me tell you what happened when I went to view the movie at MY local cinema: A man behind me, with his wife, felt like he was in a damn concentration camp! He kept complaining to his wife, "Can we leave now?" and blurted much more profane comments. I didn't feel torchered watching this film; I was just glad to find proof that it is somewhat overrated and not EVERYBODY is in love with it!
I've never been a huge martial arts fan. I mean, I like Jackie Chan flicks, but his movies are original and quite funny. But the standard Hong Kong-imported karate flicks involving people flying in the air and action that's quicker than the human eye is able to perceive never greatly appealed to me.
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is more than a goofy martial arts flick, but not much more. The acting is better, the scenery is better, but nothing is "spectacular."
My score: 5 (out of 10)