A Sword Play

Rating: 8/10 (20 December 2009)

"Two master warriors (Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh) are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured 'Green Destiny' sword is stolen. A young aristocrat (Zhang Ziyi) prepares for an arranged marriage, but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic past. As each warrior battles for justice, they come face to face with their worst enemy - and the inescapable enduring power of love.
"Set against 19th-century China's breathtaking landscape, 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' is the action-packed box office smash from acclaimed director Ang Lee, featuring stunning martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo Ping," according to the DVD sleeve description. Others at their peak are cinematographer Peter Pau and composer Tan Dun. The "Crouching Tiger" team received dozens of awards for their work.
The main distraction is the lack of any explanation for why some of the characters are able to glide into flight. Everything else can be pardoned by the sheer beauty of what Mr. Lee and his team have accomplished. And, this writer has no problem believing in Sister Bertrille's combination of body stature and habit (see "The Flying Nun"). Nick me with sword. I'm easy. Otherwise, this fantastical film soars beyond criticism.
******** Wo hu cang long (5/16/00) Ang Lee ~ Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen