Review of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) by Daniel A — 04 Jan 2011

Flawless in every area of its execution, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is a masterpiece that has set the standard not only for martial arts movies, but the whole action genre. Never has an action movie had such heart.

Earning unanimous praise from audiences and critics around the world, Crouching Tiger... has gone down as something of a classic. Combining spectacular combat with unexpected romance, the film tells an intelligent tale of two warriors seeking revenge over a past nemesis, only to discover her young protégé is far more problematic than their original target.

The most striking element of the film is the stunning fight choreography. Crouching Tiger... is the film that truly introduced cinemagoers of the West to wire-based martial arts, and though many have tried to top its graceful style, it's difficult to think of any film that actually has. Woo-ping Yuen, choreographer to both the Kill Bill and Matrix series, produces some of the most impressive hand-to-hand and sword combat ever captured on the big screen. Comparisons to complex ballet and acrobatic routines are completely justified as the characters glide across the screen to Tan Dun's Oscar winning musical score. It's breathtaking stuff.

Visually the film also triumphs. From the costumes, to the production design and the beautiful cinematography, which also earned top honours from the Academy, Crouching Tiger... is a movie of the highest quality. Director Ang Lee marries these components so smoothly with his emotionally charged storytelling that the film becomes near-impossible to resist. Somehow he's created a film that stands up as both a great action epic, but also an arresting romance; as moving as In The Mood For Love and featuring a genuinely heartbreaking conclusion that also inspires great hope in the viewer.

These things are undoubtedly helped along by the cast who provide a host of captivating performances. Chow Yun Fat is perfectly cast as warrior Li Mu Bai, for I found myself believing every moment of his quiet romance with Shu Lien, played expertly by the sensational Michelle Yeoh. This will perhaps be the movie that Yeoh will always be remembered for, and rightly so. Throughout her admirable career she's rarely been as physically impressive or utterly convincing in her role as here; her talent really does shine through every exchange. Zhang Ziyi also puts in a wonderful performance, launching her career in the most spectacular of ways, and going toe-to-toe with the experienced cast around her.

As with any great film there will always be those who don't grasp the magic, and the word 'overrated' has been used a number of times in conjunction with this film. Frankly this baffles me, for Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is the best example of an all-round great movie that I can think of. Literally every aspect from story, direction, acting, music, visuals and that breathtaking action is of the highest possible quality, making it an astonishing cinematic achievement.