More than just Kung Fu

Rating: 10/10 (4 May 2001)

This is a magical film, both because of its subject, and its treatment by Ang Lee who is proving himself to be a veritable magician of cinema. In addition to the martial arts and wire assisted "flying" scenes which are breathtaking, the sets and scenery are spectacular. There is always something on the screen to delight the eye, while the ear is beguiled by atmospheric music featuring Yo-yo Ma's cello.
The main story is essentially a simple framework on which to drape this rich tapestry of cinematic action, spectacle and sound - a precious sword is stolen, and must be recovered. But there are several sub-plots, including a classic love story, part of which moves the action from densely decorated and crowded sets in the city and palaces to the vast amber-coloured, empty desert. The acting is in a different convention to the general run of American or European movies, being more stilted and formal, but this is soon replaced by exuberant displays of energy, agility and mobility in the fight scenes!
One feature of the movie which has perhaps not received as much attention as it might is that this is a great feminist movie. Not just because two of the main protagonists are women (Michelle Yeoh and Zang Ziyi), who provide much of the martial arts action; but because their skill is accepted on its own merits by the male characters in the film, without the astonished, resentful or jokey comments we might normally expect in an American or European movie.
It may be that there are some people reluctant to see Tiger because they view it simply as a Kung Fu film, and do not like that genre. If so, they should overcome their resistance, because they are missing something quite wonderful.