An engrossing interplay of martial arts, romance, and emotions.

Rating: 9/10 (22 January 2001)

Without a doubt, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is one of the most dazzling films of the year. The scope of the film is epical, like that of Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Artistic visualization was superb, from the deep wheel tracks outside the ancient capital to the magical chase through air, water, forest, and land. From the bleakly yellow, cracked earth of the desert outlands to the lush and vibrant forests of the mountainsides, from the sullen imperial magnificence captured in the panorama of the Forbidden City to the stout display of human will and fortitude depicted in the mountain monastery, the film is a vast ocean of visual similes and metaphors.
The characters are well fleshed out and poly-dimensional. Respectful traditions clashes with youthful abandon as the old and young ideals collide. Love, romance, hate, revenge, all the emotions are given a domain in the film and their interplay is what makes the movie a philosophical giant.
Fighting-wise, the movie holds up to its promise. From the very start, characters wielding an interesting variety of melee weapons clash and chase. Masterful choreography helps blends the very limbs of the combatants into a thunderous whirlwind of strikes and parries. The punches, wristlocks, and the amazing footwork will have the viewer dazzled.
If you still have not had the pleasure of watching this movie, you are missing out on something wonderfully refreshing and elegant. Go for it!