An elegant introduction to Wu Xia

Rating: 10/10 (26 March 2001)

Ok, I'll admit it, I'd never heard of Wu Xia when I saw Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. I guess I expected what most Americans have come to expect as standard martial arts fare. Immediately, the treatment of the film reminded me much more of Kaige Chen and Yimou Zhang than Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee. Something was remarkably different here... Not knowing what to expect, I watched as the characters moved from fighting to flying! I found myself laughing with joy at the sheer beauty of what my eyes were seeing but my oh-so-rational mind told me wasn't possible.
The scope and direction of CTHD kept me riveted to my seat, my eyes to the screen. I could not wait to see what would happen next. Indulge me as I pay homage to the beauty and elegance of CTHD. The acting is superb (no nominations?)! The cinematography is breathtaking. Who cannot marvel at the sheer beauty of the battle in the bamboo trees?
The central character, Jen, is a fascinating character study of adolescent rebellion, juxtaposed with the courage, honor and duty of Bai, Shu Lien and even Lo. Heavily laden with symbolism and archetypal imagery, CTHD is closer to Greek Tragedy than what I used to think of as "martial arts."
Since the day I first saw CTHD, I've learned a great deal more about Wu Xia, and I look forward to checking out some of the other important films in the genre.
I understand that for longtime fans of Hong Kong cinema and Wu Xia, this movie may not blaze any new trails, but for me it has been an eye opening, mouth gaping education.