CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON
Review by Jerry Bosch
As I walked out of CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON I thought to myself that I
had had just seen a great film. With the passage of a few hours I tempered
my enthusiasm and started pondering the question of whether a masterpiece
must implicitly be a "great" piece of work and viceversa. Attempting to make
a distinction may be a matter of splitting hairs. I avoided a commitment by
appealing to etymology. As the word implies, a masterpiece is any work which
embodies the skills of a master. As such it should suffice to say that it is
a product of exceptional quality. CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON fits
comfortably in that category.
CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON immerses the viewer in an idealized world of
oriental folklore, with the requisite blend of legend, fantasy, magic and
mythology. It is reminiscent of a Wagnerian epic with characters which might
as well be half-gods - greater than life, purer than life, stronger than
life, physically invincible and able to accomplish superhuman feats, but
with a human soul that makes them ultimately vulnerable. All the classic
elements of the oriental mystique are thrown into the mix, including the art
of contemplation and the concept of martial dexterity as the physical
equivalent of spiritual advancement. The classic struggle between good and
evil is the inevitable backdrop, with advanced masters of each and a golden
pupil, which must choose between the two. It is the gifted pupil who, under
the influence of the evil master steals the Holy Grail in the form of a
magic sword which is the focus of the conflict at the heart of the legend.
The elements of romance at two different levels of enlightenment (a pair of
masters and a pair of youngsters) are poignantly represented. The paradox
of oriental restraint existing side by side with all consuming passion in
the same breast is projected effectively.
The fight scenes are stunning balletic tours-de-force, not to be taken
literally but clearly to be enjoyed as superb cinematic art, as are the
prodigious leaps and flights to, from and between rooftops, the martial
combat at the top of swaying bamboo branches and the combatants skipping
like pebbles along the surface of a lake. There need be no question of
suspended disbelief when one is in the presence of poetry.
As in a Wagnerian opera there is a substantial story line, which takes place
at an ordinary human level, yet the entire project is to be accepted as a
work of art rooted in fantasy. Do not assume, however, that the art is
limp-wristed. For those who are put off by the "art" label this film can be
confidently recommended as engrossing entertainment at the levels of
adventure, action and romance.
There are no weak performances in this movie. Michelle Yeoh imbues her
character with depth, humanity and wisdom. Chow Yon Fat projects dignity and
purity of heart. Zhang Ziyi is a budding superstar. She is radiantly
beautiful and totally persuasive in a multifaceted role. Cheng Pei Pei as
the evil master and Chang Cheng as the bandit prince acquit themselves
admirably. Kudos to screenwriters James Schamus, Wang Hui Ling and Tsai Kuo
Jing, choreographer Yuen Wo-Ping, photography director Peter Pau and music
director Tan Dun, each of which contribute quality components to this
extraordinary film. Ang Lee as the director, co-producer and mastermind of
the project gets the lion share of the credit.
This is destined to be one of those films that everybody likes, including
those who hate martial arts movies. Don't miss it.
4 ½ out of 5 stars
NOTE: This review was posted on the usenet
to the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup.
Mooviees.com accepts no responsibility for the contents of the review.
Unless stated otherwise, the copyright belongs to the author.
Movie Database
In Theaters
