Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Rating: 9/10
Year: 2000
Genre: Action
Director: Ang Lee
Cast: Chow Yun-fat, Zhang Zi-yi, Michelle Yeoh, Chang Chen

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is simply one of the greatest films ever made. No questions, hands down. Movies that can provide a voyage for the mind and take you away is exceptional. Films that make you ache in the heart and get you teary is brilliance. A movie that can find a way to force the mind to suspend its beliefs and make you feel as if you are in the movie is undeniable bliss.

Master Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat) is a master swordsman armed with the legendary Green Destiny sword who is considering leaving the warrior life to pursue his love interest. Li's passion for long time friend and ally Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) has been delayed long enough. Although it seems the two are ready to speak their hearts, a young aristocrat (Zhang Ziyi) disrupts their plans by stealing the legendary Green Destiny. As warriors battle for j ustice, challenges of love prove to be just as challenging as their enemies.

Should you believe the critics for once? Yes. Yes, the critics are right about the beautiful landscape that is beautifully developed by director Ang Lee. Yes, the critics are right about the acting because let's face it, bad acting is easy to catch. Yes, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is worth every academy nomination and definitely worthy of the 4 Academy Awards won.

But if you take away the title of the movie, all the actors creditability, and even the nominations, you will still have a wonderful film that is a must see. Often it seems that just because a movie has been nominated so much, audiences believe they should automatically make an effort to see it.

Do not see it for these reasons. See it to discover what makes the difference from a good movie, to an excellent movie. There is nothing in this movie that no one cannot relate to. For example, Li's relationship with Shu Lien. The two are master in their fields but cannot pass their stubborness to say what they really want. The film is universal and that what makes it so great.

Not only is this a must see, it is a must buy. Ang Lee will have you at hello. Enjoy the scenary and be sure to have kleenex next to you.

Cool guy(s)- Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen

Reviewed by: Mike Vu