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Magnificent portrayal of Chinese fantasy - two different love stories, people vying for power, and an ethereal adventure with excellent hand-to-hand combat scenes and special effects which display the cultural nuances of old China. The storyline hinges on the Green Destiny (a 400-year old sword) and its master. The characters are personable and likeable, evoking emotions of all sorts. Truly captivating! The special edition has both dubbed English (expertly done) and original Mandarin. French is also available for those interested. This movie won 4 academy awards, nominated for 6 others (2000).
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
From the stable of one of today's greatest contemporary filmmakers, Ang Lee, the film, 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' or 'Wo hu cang long,' is a classic theme of unrequited love, woven into a story about a trial between two competing factions (both well versed in martial arts), who are out to recover a beautiful jade bejewelled sword. Lee combines the mysterious nature of these Chinese role-players in a timeless story that takes place in the province of QING in China, somewhere in time, (although the period in history seems to be irrelevant.) A girl from Beijing, voted in at #100 in FHM's Sexiest 100 Girls of 2002, plays Jen Yu, one of the lead roles in the film. But this film is not only about sex-appeal. It is a tale about believable miracles, visualized in a love story with classic themes, by people flying atop roofs, in between the trees, and choreographed in mid-air, floating over the terrain of a magical land. The story keeps you gripped with fascination as to what happens next. I watched the subtitles rarely, preferring to listen to the Mandarin dialog and watch the action. I was moved by this beautiful story, and would recommend that this becomes a movie that is an essential part of any sensualist's collection, regardless of taste.Read full review
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon directed by Ang Lee (also,BrokeBack Mountain) is a dual story about the power of the green sword and about two sets of Chinese lovers -- brave Li & respectful Yu following traditional Chinese customs, and the younger desert warrior Lo chasing independent Jen. Li has decided to retire and gave his powerful green sword to a dear old friend of the family. But the sword is stolen by Jen who wants the guarantee of victory that the sword provides, so that she can be in control of life's events. Jen's mother is the villian, because she poisoned Li's father when Li was just a lad. Li crosses paths with Jen's mom many times to avenge his father's murder. Yu who has always loved Li from a distance helps Li recover the sword thru many magnificent sword battles which are sprinkled with amazing acrobatic chase scenes. Lo falls in love with Jen when he attacks her camel caravan. Jen returns to her family to obey the rules of marriage that has been arranged for her. Thru out the story the exotic landscapes and the soothing music create the majesty of the oriental culture. This tranquil & colorful environs is the backdrop for so many hand-to-hand fights. The contrast of human emotions against Nature's serenity demonstrates how nature attempts to nurture people if only the characters would become in harmony with the environment of the sunlight, the colors, the breeze, the water, and the space. When Yu realizes that Jen is an Independent soul who has relentlessly endangered Li as well as her own family, there is a dynamic sword fight between these two beautiful women for the green sword. Will Yu's experience conquer Jen's youthful vitality? The viewer is held in high suspense to see if the sword is eventually recovered, and to see if both loving couples become happily united. Each couple finds love, but you have to stay with the movie to its very end to see if the couples get to keep the at-long-last attained love. Jo JoRead full review
Legendary martial artist Li Mu Bai is tracking the murderer of his master. The poised and self-assured Li can handle anything -- except his feelings for lithe, pantherish Yu Shu Lien. Jen Yu, the tremulous and spoiled daughter of the Province's governor, is also fascinated by Shu Lien's glamorous life: that a woman can have so many adventures and such freedom is marvelous to her. Though the refined Jen is soon to be married off into respectability, she harbors a sinister plan. By night she transforms into a masked and cunning thief, out to steal the Green Destiny, an invincible blade once wielded by Li. At the same time, Li embarks on his own quest to recover the missing sword, possibly the key to his master's murder. This movie is a bona fide masterpiece, as beautiful as it is dangerous.Read full review
What an intriguing, imaginative, inventive, ingenious fairytale--on a grand scale. I was not prepared to like this film. I avoided all the hype around the film when it was first released. But, boy was I very pleasantly surprised when I finally watched it. Taking place in China during the Qing Dynasty, it tells the tale of a much treasured sword whose original owner, a Master martial artist gives it as a gift. The sword is stolen and the pursuit and return of the sword to its rightful owner becomes the center of the story and sub-plots. It is beautifully executed. The concepts of this film seem to come from a child’s imagination – unlimited, untarnished – completely free to give these characters a ‘once-upon-a-time,’ superhuman type powers and abilities, without it looking like a comic book fable. It is as if you are reading the fairy tale, turning the pages and seeing these endearing characters, lavish locations laid out on beautifully illustrated pages.Read full review
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