Best foreign film I have ever seen.

Rating: 9/10 (18 June 2001)

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a very good film that tells the a mythical tail of ancient China. I don't know much about this area of history so I can't say how accurate it is. I can say the story and the plot are presented very well and this keeps you interested. The affects were first rate and compare well to many US and other Western style films. This one also presents, as stated before, some the ancient myths and legends of China. Something I have seen very little of and know little about. This was a good chance for me to see some this up close. Most of my life has been looking at ancient Rome, Egypt and the like. So this was refreshing. It was also the first time a film was made that brought this to the publics attention in this manner. I don't know if the story is true but this brings about some interest on the subject.
I have heard some people complain about the subtitles of the film. All I have to say is, get over it! This is a foreign film, they don't have to present everything to us Americans on a silver plater. We can read, so read the subtitles. I have also heard some people complain that it is unrealistic for people to flow or fly, almost, through the air. Well, as I said before, this film presents some of the myths and legends of ancient China and the mystery of what was Wudan. This is how the movie is presented it holds to its story line. As a result, some of the feats performed and aided by the special affects are realistic for this film. I never saw, at anytime, the director stepping out of the bounds of the genre. The only thing that prevents this film from getting a prefect 10, is the fact that the film does get confusing at times and can be difficult to follow. Otherwise, this is an very good film. If you can get past the subtitles, this one is for you. If you don't like to read, don't bother.
Overall, a must see (9 out of 10).