Suspension Of Reality

Rating: 9/10 (10 March 2002)

There are two types of people who walk away from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" : those who think the concept of a human being having the ability to defy gravity and accomplish impossible physical tasks is ridiculous ; and those that are able to allow the movie to tell a beautiful fantasy epic by engaging in the concept of suspension of reality.
The quicker you allow "Crouching Tiger..." take over your mindset and send you on its amazing journey, the quicker you will enjoy the awesome power of this film. The martial arts scenes here are simply amazing. For all of the tight, quick movements that are displayed by the characters, this movie never once seems choreographed - not once. It is that good.
But there is even so much more to "Crouching Tiger..." than the martial arts scenes. The gorgeous landscapes are the perfect compliment to this epic tale. They show the depth of the great story and journey being told, without becoming the centerpiece of the film.
That is because the true centerpiece of this film is Chinese culture. It is Chinese culture that calls for those anti-gravity fight scenes. It is Chinese culture that is depicted in the village scenes. It is Chinese culture that is shown in the landscapes. Most of all, it is Chinese culture that is heard through the mouths of the actors when they speak their lines.