The price of fame

Rating: 6/10 (13 July 2001)

Surely, the name of the director (in this case the quite intelligent and productive, in an artistic way, Ang Lee) gives some credit to a film. He adds - if I may say so - surplus value.
Accepting this, though, does not necessary suggest that a poor excuse of an art film, should be called a "masterpiece". This is the situation here, with Ang's "Crouching Tiger, hidden Dragon".
The plot? Childish. Kindergarten morals (same as in Spielberg's films) simplistic emotions and overreacting wannabe heroes. A rather boring story without any particular value for any intelligent viewer.
The acting? Well, reminded me of the good ole '60's or '50's films - too theatrical, too "over the edge" for the refined taste of an audience who has seen something beyond Hollywood blockbusters and bad Hong Kong action films.
The cinematography? Oh, right. Here I couldn't say anything. Simply, perfect. Beautifully filmed, this story wouldn't make for a 1/10 film if it wasn't for the great director.
The effects/fight scenes: Good lord, these are for 12 year olds - and even that's too old! Nothing more to say about those, just one thing: At the first scene (on the rooftops... or above them) I started laughing out loud - actually in a 400 seat theatre, about two dozen people started laughing as well. Absolutely justified laugh, don't you think so?
The Film in general? A fairy tale, who begs us to accept it as an art movie - and fails blatantly. Only some "hype" and mainstream critics, or some guys who'd love anything coming from the east carrying the label of "art movie" are enthusiastic about it. And that shows us that the worst critic to a movie is the one who makes a living out of it - the film just had to be promoted.
So, if you haven't watched it, you better forget it. Try something less silly and childish. If you are looking for a fairy tale... go ahead, but you are warned.