I cannot comprehend what I witnessed on Saturday night.
I was bored that day and decided, at the last minute that I would head off into town for the last showing of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which I had heard was a great film. The only place showing it in Exeter was the small independent cinema which normally is pretty quiet and easy to get into...I got there half an hour earlier than I could have and I was lucky to get a seat, I ended up on the outside of the next to front row!!
But, it didn't matter. Within a matter of seconds I was hooked on this film.
The story is set around a Wudan master called Li Mu Bai and his sword, the Green Destiny. He is having a conflict of emotions and wants to get out of the warrior world. So, he gives his beloved sword to a friend in Peking. However, within a matter of a few hours, the sword is stolen by a strange thief who exhibits the skills of the Wudan. The heroes, Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) and Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat) proceed to track down the thief through Peking and into the Giang Ho world where Li Mu Bai made his name.
This film is magical. There is no other word for it. It is like watching poetry being enacted before your eyes. For the incredible fighting scenes, not only was the choreography excellent, but it exhibited the best wire-work ever scene in cinema, which must have been spawned from The Matrix. However, where the Matrix was harsh and in your face, Crouching Tiger is soft, delicate and intricately put together. One of the best scenes in this film comes in a face off between Li Mu Bai and Jen, the thief, in the treetops. Another example was the rooftop chase around Peking. Incredible.
The other thing that struck me instantly was how well the soundtrack mixed with the action and flow of the movie. During some of the most moving parts of the film there are cello solos playing and they capture the moment so well. I must buy the soundtrack as soon as I can!
The film also exhibits some lovely touches of humour. Some in a black way. In the first major fight scene with Li Mu Bai fighting with Master Bo and the cop and his daughter against Jade Fox and eventually Jen, the policeman has his circular bladed weapon thrown into his skull. Somehow this was humourous. Don't ask me how, but it was... There are easier touches of humour, like the Giang Ho ganglands acting indignantly when explaining how the little girl with Green Destiny had managed to destroy a restaurant and beat up an entire underworld group. You'll see what I mean! Exquisite!
When I got home, I noticed a poster in a movie magazine with a quote from Neil Norman of Hot Tickets. He had said about Crouching Tiger "It is beyond belief. A transcendant two hours of movie magic that is not just a masterpiece, but a film that every man, woman and child on the face of the planet should see."
That sums it all up for me. I give it five stars and wish there were ten. If there were a hundred stars to give, I would wish there were a thousand. This film deserves them all.
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i'm dying to watch this film!...can't find it on cinema anywhere...
offy 01.02.2001 20:37
Excellent detailed review. The film doesn't seem to have affected me like it did you. My summary would be 'it was OK'. Quite enjoyed some of the humour (as you mention) and some of the flying fight scenes (when you got used to it). We have the soundtrack and it is very haunting (I prefer it to the film).
Mercury 23.01.2001 14:51
Good review... I guess you like it then?! I think I might be taking a trip to the big screen myself shortly...sounds like a fantastic film. Cheers.
SB
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![Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78543493.jpg "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon [DVD] [2001]")
Jan 8th, 2001
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