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Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon - DVD - Buy Movies - Rent MoviesI hadn't read the hype, wasn't aware it had won 4 Oscars, and I watched it on a rainy summer afternoon with my family. Frankly I wasn't expecting much, I was wrong. It's been thirty years since I enjoyed watching David Carradine play Kwai Chang Caine, a Shaolin Monk wandering American west armed only with his skill in Kung Fu, back in early 70's and I've been too busy ever since to waste my time watching Jackie Chan or Van Damme movies.
I only ended up owning this DVD because I forgot to cancel the dreaded Recommended recording of month, I suspect that's only way Britannia ever sell DVDs at list price - but that's another rant! Right from opening sequence the sumptuous scenery and inspirational soundtrack grabbed my attention and I settled down to be gently entertained. The kids whooped with delight as the first fight sequence kicked in - they'd never seen anything like it but they did draw comparison with the fight sequences in The Matrix - which were both choreographed by Yuen Wo Ping, the legendary flying wire expert and we were all hooked.
The acting performances all round were satisfactory and it's great to see films made without Hollywood heavyweights enjoying box office success. Yun-Fat Chow turned in a mature performance as the warrior, Li Mu Bai, Michelle Yeoh did a great job considering her previous undemanding action movie experience and I was captivated by Ziyi Zhang who played Yu Jen fighting against an arranged marriage.
The plot tries, with some success, to blend Chinese folklore, repressed love and kick-ass action but unfolds too slowly and sags a little in middle, making the movie seem longer than its 115 minute running time. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is directed by Ang Lee who directed Sense and Sensibility before teaming up with James Schamus for the terminally dreary Ice Storm. An interview with Michelle Yeoh hints at a prequel in the offing so maybe a second chance to get other writers involved. She goes on to explain Crouching Tiger represents traditional Chinese reserve and Hidden Tiger representing anger within, so now we know.
In addition to the interview with Michelle Yeoh the DVD includes an excellent photo montage, which shows off the make-up and intricately detailed costumes, a director/writer commentary, movie trailers, a making of featurette and various subtitle and language options. Purists will no-doubt prefer watching the original Mandarin without subtitles but despite some tricky lip-sync moments my kids didn't even notice they were watching a dubbed film.
A thoroughly enjoyable movie directed by Ang Lee at the peak of his powers. Joe Connor
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