Mystical, magical and and stunning martial arts

Rating: 8/10 (27 March 2003)

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Review You may remember a recent review on a unique film called Run Lola Run. This film explored the question of 'what if'. From time to time we all have strange dreams like jumping from rooftop to rooftop chasing someone or being chased. Some times you seemed to get involved in some of the most amazing martial arts. Sometimes dreams can be reflected in films. One such film is the Chinese movie called Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. When I was invited to see this I had no idea what it was about because I had heard nothing, read nothing nor even seen a poster. I was shocked and amazed at how strangely familiar this film was because it seemed to reflect dreams I had experienced. Ignoring whether I was suffering deja vu this film really had my attention and I was determined to find out more about this type of film. This film could be considered the pinnacle of the genre `Wuxia Pian'. 'Wuxia Pian' is deeply rooted in mythical China when the country was largely lawless and the only hope was the wandering 'knights in shining armour' or 'knights errant'. Since the beginning of movies filmmakers, especially in Hong Kong and Taiwan, have depicted 'wuxia' in dazzling displays of swordsmanship and mystical power. Kung fu tended to replace swordplay films during the 1970s and 80s. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon resurrects the more traditional 'wuxia' plot and which often presents the struggle between social, responsibility and loyalty and personal desires. Set in the ancient world of China the story revolves around a sword called 'The Green Destiny'. The sword belongs to Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat) but he has given it to Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh). When the sword is stolen by a thief in the dark Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien travel through the ancient cities to track the thief. Unknown to these two warriors the thief is none other than the Governor's daughter, Jen Ju (Ziyi Zang). Fallowing Jen Ju leads a trail of magical martial arts and flying. Yes, you heard correctly, flying - well jumping as though there is almost no gravity. I can't give to much detail because much of the action that goes on in this wonderful film is simply stunning. Starring international action star Chow Yun Fat as Master Li Mu Bai, who's latest release is Bulletproof Monk, is suited to this role incredibly well. Another international star, made famous in James Bond's Tomorrow Never Dies, is Michelle Yeoh, who plays Yu Shu lien, the women in love with the master Li Mu Bai. Another young and new actress is Ziyi Zang, making her first international appearance in Rush Hour 2 as the bad girl. She stars as Jen Ju, the thief in love with Xiou Hu 'Dark Cloud', Chen Chang, an outlaw living in the desert plains China. Ang Lee, who is directing his latest blockbuster The Hulk with Eric Banner, shows his methods of directing a martial arts movie very well. The fight choreography that Woo Ping, (The Matrix Trilogy), delivers is highly professional and simply astonishing. Ang Lee uses his directing methods to show the ancient Chinese scenery in a beautiful array of lively colours. The special effects in this film are highly professional because they looked really natural. The change between a normal and real life action and a special effect was seamless. What I didn't like about the movie was that it was a bit slow getting started and seemed to take along time to set the scene. However, once the action began the music and fight choreography lifted my spirits considerably. The acting was a bit on the dull side but when it came to the fighting, the acting seemed to improve. The script was interesting because it must have taken in depth research into the world of 'wuxia pian' and ancient China. Whether they could fight as well or fly as well is a mystery but it does give that sense of freedom to it. If you ignore the fact that the film is in Chinese with English Subtitles or the fact that it has been dubbed in English you should enjoy this mystical film. From the amazing fight scenes to the wonderful scenery, it is a film of imagination and excitement. I really enjoyed watching this sensation. Rating 4/5 Stars