Very good, but not Best Picture.

Rating: 8/10 (20 March 2001)

I finally got around to seeing "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in my desire to see all the Academy Award nominees. Personally I enjoyed it, but I can see why others may not. The cinematography was wonderful. The martial arts scenes superb (they make those in the Matrix look like child's play), and the love story wonderful. I liken this movie to a type of Romeo and Juliet in the Far East, but with more complexity. This is by far and above the most compelling Far East movie I've watched. I do think the flying and treetop dancing were a little overdone, but not objectionable.

Overall it was a very good movie. But compared to the other nominees, I do not think it deserving of the Best Picture award. I believe that with all factors considered (acting, directing, performances, cinematography, et al), that other candidates (Cast Away, Gladiator) are more deserving.