Probably the first film where I actually fell in love with Asian culture, this unique film about love and understanding compels one to either want to beat someone up, or love them with all your heart. From the first beautiful shot to the last, Ang Lee's masterful eye for powerful images translates a beautiful land into a beautiful picture. It's a story about growing up, and being mature, and it seems no one character has a strong grasp on the concept until the very end of the film.
Beautiful Images are enhanced by an amazing soundtrack by two of china's most important musical people: Tan Dun and Yo-Yo Ma. The vast scope of the score perfectly coincides with the vast story and landscape of the film, transporting one to heights higher than Wudan Mountain. Superb music enhances wonderful imagery, which itself is beautifully displayed through masterful cinematography, camera movements, and coloring. There's hardly a breathless moment.
The scope of the images and the music is further enhanced by a brilliant story, brought to life by some very talented actors. Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh do exceptionally well together, while Ziyi Zhang and Chen Chang bring spunk to the screen. The set decoration, costuming and locations were perfect to give the characters the most lively feel.
Of course, this film would no be Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon without the wonderfully choreographed fight sequences. While you may find that "flying" is a bit cheesy, it makes for some rather wonderful moments that make one simply want to jump away to the sky. The sword fights and the hand-to-hand combating is wonderfully composed and just as wonderfully pulled off by the actors (especially Ziyi and Michelle). There are moments, however, where increased pace of film slightly decreases the perfection of the shots, but this can be hardly noticeable if one does not look for it.
Watch this wonderful film with an open mind, but be careful to not pass out from not breathing.
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