"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" Rated PG-13
*****/*****
Wow! What a movie! Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a one-of-a-kind, heart-felt, deep, poignant, funny, romantic, action-packed, movie. It is unlike anything you have ever seen before.
Chow Yun Fat stars as Li Mu Bai, the renowned swordsman, and possessor of the famed Green Density sword that can bring great power to those who know how to use it. After his master dies, he vows to hang up his sword and stop living such a violent life. He decides to travel with his friend and fellow martial artist Yu Shu Lien (played by Michelle Yeoh) and give his sword to a governor in Beijing. However, when the sword is stolen, and Jade Fox, the killer of Li's master and his sworn enemy is one of the culprits, Li decides to put his retirement on hold until he has finished this one last mission. The story also involves Jen Yu (played by Zhang Zi-yi) as the governor’s daughter who is soon to be married (against her will). She is secretly a very deadly, almost invincible martial artist trained by Jade Fox. It may be a little obscure, but the real core and point to this film is love. It touches on the love between Jen and a desert terrorist, Ho, but the true story is in the doomed love between Li and Shu.
The films does a great job of reaching its point, and keeps us entertained at the same time. This is a real cinematic delight for anyone who likes martial arts, or romance stories. The beautiful and striking photography and director is a major plus for the film. And now to the action scenes. They are incredibly well done and truly breath taking. This a truly beautiful film in all respects.
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(A NOTE TO THE VIEWER: You might be wondering, 'why are some scenes so fake? They fly?' The answer is yes. Although the film doesn't fully explain it, yes they can fly. It is also a fantasy film. They have super natural powers from their trainings. It's not just cheap action.)
