Review of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) by Bharath P — 18 Aug 2017

One exhilarating movie that understood its genre thoroughly. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon cements the fact that Asian movies can also stack up against Hollywood. It is a visual treat for movie buffs, like me, well also being a rapture for martial art fanatics.

Green Destiny; the poised sword which belongs to Li Mu Bai(Chow Yun-fat), a prominent Wudang warrior, who gifts it to his friend Sir Te in Beijing, through Yu Shu Lien(Michelle Yeoh), a female warrior, is stolen by a young truculent martial art fighter. The film is set in the Quing Dynasty during the 43rd year (1778) of the reign of the Quialong Emperor. The fight sequences are so graceful and it feels as if they're not fighting but participating in a physical refreshment, thanks to Yuen Wo-Ping, whose credits include The Matrix(1999). The movie contains some of the best action sequences ever filmed. The Art-Direction is beyond criticism.

The action scenes are so smooth, perspicuous and supple. I might be the first to say this, but this is a cut above Bruce Lee's which action scenes are usually one-sided. After watching the movie one would think that if this is some sort of computer chicanery as we see people on rooftops, trees. Howbeit it is substantial. Although, I'm a bit concerned about people flying. Besides, the movie is vivid, picturesque with beautiful sceneries along with a tasteful cinematography. Wherefore, if any action movie is called beauteous, this is it.