Being a Chinese person, I've watched Chinese movies, tv programs and series ever since I was born. But this is the first that has gone off the track from the more traditional "Chinese" martial arts. Even as technology progresses, the Hong Kongers still use the old fashioned flying ideas. (Believe me, in some films they do fly!!!)
But this jumping stuff - to me looks crazy. Of course CTHD has some amazing choreography but the jumping around stuff is completley new to the Chinese movie industry. In fact, its so new and crazy that most of my friends detest Crouching Tiger because of it!
But thats not all about Crouching Tiger - usually martial arts movies are to the point whereas Crouching Tiger is a bit waffly when it comes to the plot - it has a sort of arty end to it where Zhang Ziyi, after going through so much crazy mood swings flies off somewhere?!?! In martial arts films the art should come from the moves only, art in the plot turns a bit crazy. And I don't think Chow Yung Fat should die if he's one of the greatest fighters alive!!
Anyways, if you like the moves but hate the plot of Crouching Tiger, then 'Hero' might be a movie for you. The movie is more to the plot but sometimes strays a bit - but there is a very good twist (which I won't reveal!!) It stars Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung and Zhang Ziyi (she's a bit crazy in this film too!). I'm not sure if this movie is available in the UK though.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Martial Arts - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Bruce Lee, Sho Kosugi, James Ryan, Jim Kelly, Jimmy Wang Yu, Bolo Yeung, Christopher Lee
Production Year: 1991 - Martial Arts - Director: Tsui Hark - Original Language: Cantonese - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Donnie Yen, Jet Lee, Rosamund Kwan, Yuen Biao, Mok Sui Chung
Production Year: 2003 - Martial Arts - Director: Paul Hunter - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Seann William Scott, James King, Karel Roden
Production Year: 1985 - Martial Arts - Director: Cory Yuen - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Kurt McKinney, J.W. Fails, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kathie Sileno, Peter 'Sugarfoot' Cunningham
You seem pretty strict in your definition of a martial arts film. Maybe this film is in a genre of its own (artsy kung fu)? Interestingly, none of my Chinese friends has complained about the points you mention. -d.l
JessL 12.08.2003 23:28
I've not seen this but I heard it's quite good - when I was younger, and watched Chinese TV I used to be amazed at the flying and would try to copy them! Jess x
Mclbee 12.08.2003 22:14
Thanks for your op. You have helped me to decide on my weekend video no-nos! :)
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragonis so many things: an historical epic on a grand scale, an ... more
Asian martial-arts flick with both great effectsandfantastic fighting (choreographed byThe Matrix's guru Yuen Wo Ping), a story of magic, revenge and power played w...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
In the most-talked about movie of the year, Director Ang Lee (Sense and Sensibility) ... more
brings together a breathtaking combination of high-flying action (choreographed by Yeun Wo Ping - The Matrix) and stunning visual effects, woven around a story of humo...
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragonis so many things: an historical epic on a grand scale, an ... more
Asian martial-arts flick with both great effectsandfantastic fighting (choreographed byThe Matrix's guru Yuen Wo Ping), a story of magic, revenge and power played w...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Amazing martial arts fighting sequences (choreographed by Yuen wo Ping - The Matrix) ... more
stunning special effects action adventure and romance have made Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon the most talked about movie of the year. Martial arts masters Li Mu B...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
![Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78543493.jpg "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon [DVD] [2001]")
Aug 12th, 2003
very helpful by (11%):
helpful by (56%):
somewhat helpful by (33%):
