Ang Lee defies the standards, rules, and gravity for that matter in his first Chinese film since 1994's "Eat Drink Man Woman" in this exhiliarating and breathtaking tale that will surely become a c

Rating: 8/10 (5 July 2001)

The story takes place during the Ching Dynasty in the 19th century. Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat) is considered one of the greatest martial art warriors of all time in China. Li asks his girlfriend, Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), to give his sword, The Green Destiny, to a friend of his father's. Li Mu Bai is determined to give up his fighting days and settle down with Shu Lien. Once Sir Te stores the sword away, it disappears and a greater mystery is unveiled, involving a long-time foe named Jade Fox, the beautiful daughter of the Governor named Jen (Zhang Zi-Yi), and her past lover from the desert. Age and culture hold no barriers to the film's purpose. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is an adaptation of the fourth book (out of five) from a popular Chinese literature series by author Wang Dulu. Despite it's revered presence amongst the young crowd in China, film watchers around the world will be able to identify with this film, making the story an international epic. Although the events take place several generations ago, the story is one that all of humanity can identify with, for the film addresses issues that are innate to everyone: loyalty, revenge, love, and honor.
Director Ang Lee accomplishes a tremendous amount of merit in this picture. The backdrop setting for the movie is nothing but breathless. Ang Lee brings this classic story to life by choosing locations that are, in essence, picture perfect. Also contributing to the ambience of the movie experience is a beautiful, and well-written score by Yo-Yo Ma, which mimics every emotion of each character through each somber note. While English-speaking audiences might feel the frustration of reading the subtitles and watching the action at the same time, the acting by the performers is almost enough to figure out the storyline without the use of translation. Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh deliver their best performances in this picture, with little doubt as to whether or not they will receive accolades for their work. Also coming forward as a future rising star in Asia is Zhang Zi-Yi (who plays Jen). Only 19 years old, Zi-Yi did not have any knowledge of martial arts at the beginning of the shooting, and was trained completely on the spot. Rrrrright.....action and acting combined? Believe it or not, Ang Lee succeeds in doing this. Rather than random shoot'em ups, bloody fistfights, and kung fu that simply looks cool, the action is as pertinent to the movie as the dialogue. The fighting scenes are obviously enhanced through the use of special effects, yet they are every bit breathtaking as a lightsaber dual. With all of this combined into "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", the movie should not be compared to that of "The Matrix" or any other kung fu movies. Rather, it stands on its own as a distinct and true masterpiece that serves as epic storytelling that can still exist in a cynical modern society.