Beautiful Piece of Filmmaking!

Rating: 9/10 (4 February 2014)

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a masterful directorial effort by Ang Lee that is a beautiful film and is bound to sweep you off your feet. I haven't seen many foreign films up to this point, but I think now I shall. This film weaves a story and it feels like you're part of the story. The language barrier did not hold me back, and I felt like I was in 19th-century China part of this story. This movie is beautifully shot and features some of the best cinematography I have seen in film.
Ang Lee, who directed such American classics like Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi, directs a Chinese narrative that takes place during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor. Li Mu Bai's master was murdered by the Jade Fox and as he is about to retire, he finds out he has another chance to avenge his master's death.
This film features some great acting by very talented international actors. Chow Yun-Fat is very good in his role and he should be, since he's one of China's best actors. Michelle Yeoh delivers a convincing performance as Fat's lover. Finally, Zhang Ziyi is very good in her role and delivers quite an emotional punch.
Overall, this is a very beautiful film both story-wise and to look at. The film will make you seem as if you're in the story. Sure, the story can get silly sometimes, but most martial arts films do. The choreography is excellent and sometimes is very Matrix-like. The score is wonderful and exquisite. This is an action film, but there is plenty of substance here and there is definitely a great story being told. You can tell this film is in the hands of a talented director. Very well done! I rate this film 9/10.