Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (DVD, 2001, Special Edition)

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 Jo

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.

The masterful direction of Ang Lee, brings back old school martial arts films. With a new breed of action heroes. The action is quick and steady. The technique was great and the acting mellow and straight forward.....

This is a great DVD. After watching "Hero" the other night, I recalled this DVD . The fight scenes are graceful and a pleasure to watch. The neat thing about this movie is that it's in English; no Chinese speaking with subtitles. It's a joy to watch and not worrying about missing some dialog. Crouching Tiger is just plane great.

Loved the fact that it was available for a great price, I love the movie and was glad I bought it! I love asian films, especially those with sword fights and a bit of fantasy and mythology. The music is great in the film, it definitely compliments the scenes.