A Fantastic Resume Entry

Rating: 7/10 (21 December 2000)

Having just seen TIGER-DRAGON, I am sifting out the bits and pieces in my mind, particularly between the involvement of the film's writers with that of the director -- and where the creativity of this film is placed. This is my first martial-arts type film, so I am no qualified critic in that genre other than saying it definitely has many excellently crafted surreal poetic moments in the ability to fly and escape. Which is the theme or moral of the film: take an 8am-to-5pm job or go over the hill on a whim or return from that hill to settle down and take a wife or lover.
These comments are my very Western appreciation of this film - which is Ang Lee's forte from what I observe from past films (with my top vote going to THE ICE STORM which I think set the stage for AMERICAN BEAUTY's recent awards).
There is nothing negative about this film. It is NOT the best film this year, nor during the prior decade. It may be the BEST MARTIAL ARTS FILM.
I think ANG LEE has provided these talents:
1) Re-introducing English speaking/reading folks to FOREIGN LANGUAGE films and to use one's mind when viewing a film; 2) Blending Western familiarities (i.e. a Dodge City-type saloon brawls) with more subtle Eastern values of mystique and patience and honor. 3) Great editing and continuity along a fast-paced path (i.e. do not drink a DietCoke any time before your viewing if you anticipate a short visit to the restroom). 4) A fantastic initiation to Wu Xia swords and wizardry, if that is what was happening or tagged (I will start reading my second Harry Potter book tonight!!)
Those are my thoughts.