very positive review

Rating: 10/10 (15 December 2000)

I have yet to find a printed review that says Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is not very good. This is a most unusual occurrence. Every film has it's detractors but I have yet to find any for Ang Lee's superb martial arts drama. The film takes many of the classic martial arts cliches (stolen swords, forbidden knowledge etc.) and crafts a truly beautiful film out of them. Much has been made, of course, of the action scenes and indeed they are breathtakingly exciting. It is a shame however that some people will think The Matrix was an influence on this film as they share action choreographers. It should be pointed out that Yuen Woo Ping has been making martial arts films for years and anybody who has seen Drunken Master 2 or Fist of Legend will know the quality of his fight scene choreography pre dates The Matrix. The performances really shine in this film. Chow Yun-Fat is at his best here but the very young (19) Zhang Zi Yi is a revelation.
Some people don't like to watch a film if it has subtitles to them I say throw aside your prejudices and see the best film of the year.