Entertaining, but what was the big deal?...

Rating: 7/10 (3 September 2001)

First, I'd like to say that I enjoyed the film overall, and if I seem somewhat critical, it is because I've seen so many people rave on and on, and I just don't get all the hoopla. My biggest problem is likely the lack of explanation. I realize this is a martial-arts "fantasy," but in most films, there is at least some attempt to explain the setting and, if any, differences from reality. For example, in "The Matrix," we're given an early glimpse of the powers of the freedom-fighters, and eventually we discover that they are bending and breaking rules in ways that seem fantastic, but still make sense as they are explained in the movie. In "Star Wars," we are introduced to "the Force" and the wondrous abilities it can bestow. In "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," the masters have these amazing abilities (beyond fighting skill, I mean) that are never in anyway justified. I can take some of this on faith, and simply enjoy the story and effects, but it started to bother me after a while. For one thing, the commoners (or at least, the non-masters) don't seem to think anything amazing is going on. "Oh look, the thief just leapt over that building. I won't gape in amazement, I'll just continue the chase..." I could live with the characters having enhanced abilities, this is fantasy after all, but I think major physics-defying capabilities deserve an explanation. Why can this person push off from a wall, fly across a courtyard, and without touching anything, change direction UPWARDS? Where do they draw the line? It just seemed a little hokey. Having said all that, I'll reiterate that once I looked past these things, I was able to enjoy the film for what it is.