Excellent cultural eye opener!

Rating: 10/10 (16 June 2001)

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is an excellent film.
What frustrates me is the close minded comments I'm reading from other users. You cannot walk into a Chinese movie and expect to see Western values. Chinese believe in spiritual power, dignity and avenging those who wrong you. Unlike American movies, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is subtle in showing anything that may seem supernatural. Think of it as a Fantasy, or one big metaphor. Some users thought the flying sequence was silly---but really it emphasized the power and discipline of martial arts. Am I supposed to criticize Cinderella for having a fairy Godmother? Am I supposed to criticize Hercules for being half god when that is also unrealistic? Think about it.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon needs to be watched more than once in order to understand the depth of the movie. On the surface it seems to be about getting a sword back. However, it is more than that. It is about love that is suppressed because of tradition and the role you play in life. The women of this movie possess a refreshing inner strength. Not only do they kick butt, but they also stay strong when they are struggling with forbidden love.
This is an excellent movie. If you approach it with an open mind and heart, you will definitely appreciate its value. As you watch this movie, you may also learn a thing or two about the Chinese culture.