feminist Lee Ang

Rating: 10/10 (24 February 2001)

Undoubtedly the martial scene in 'Crunching Tiger, Hidden dragon' is exquisite and excellent. While people are stunned by the gloriously choreographed kung-fu shot, unknowingly, the fine and smooth portrayal of characters is neglected, especially the strong feminism spirit appeared in almost every Lee's film. We can find the evidence easily from 'Crunching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'.
1. The background of story happened in the male-dominated wuxia group--WuuDang, whose kung-fu bequeath only transmitted to male student rather than female, no matter how brilliant the female student is. What Jade Fox opposed not only the male opponents, but the gender-discriminative martial group.
2. Against the parental authority in traditional Chinese society, Lee chose Jen, daughter of an official bureaucrat, to steal the sword. Audience thought her behavior was childish, but she didn't do this just for 'fun'; she was striving the freedom she longing for a long time. What Lee tries to show is the liberation of women.
3. To break the stereotype of emotional essence of women, Lee created a successful career woman, Shu-Lien, present in ancient martial society. Comparing to the reactionary and impulsive Li Mu-Bai, Shu-Lien was very liberal, sober and competent. She was also the model of Jen.
Reviewing from 'Tui Shou', 'Hsi Yen', 'Yin Shi Nan Nu', 'Sense and Sensibility', 'The Ice Storm', 'Ride with the Devil' to 'Crunching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', gender is always the main issue that Lee wants to express. I would say that, those critiques mentioning that this is a shallow film must understand the implicit meaning Lee gave. Otherwise, they would get lost in the multifarious actions totally.