Overrated

Rating: 6/10 (26 June 2003)

Being that I had seen many films from Hong Kong, my basic feeling is that this movie was overrated. Yes, I expected some action with drama, which the movie did give, but the plot of the movie (spoiled rich princess wants to be #1) didn't captivate me.
First the good. Yes, the cinematography was beautiful, giving one glimpses of China never seen. Second, Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun Fat were great. I was especially surprised to see Chow do so well for an actor known as a gun toting hero. The fight scenes were, for the most part, well choreographed, especially the scene with Michelle and Ying Zhang.
So why overrated? First of all, there were many kung-fu movies with similar or even better fight scenes. Second, I just couldn't buy the "flying leaps" seen here, especially for a film trying to be dramatic; how do they get the magic to do it? Third, the character of the princess just annoyed me. I think it would have been better to focus more on the characters of Michelle and Chow than on what seemed to be a spoiled brat. Finally, I try to get the main gist of the film, but it just doesn't come to me.
Quite frankly, if Ang Lee's name wasn't on this film, I doubt it would have gotten the recognition it got. Yes, I know that's how the world turns, but a director's name can't influence how you see a film; it should be able to stand on its own. For me, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is slightly above average, but not worthy of the recognition it got.