Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (DVD 2001)

Even though I love Martial Arts films and enjoy good action film this didn't quite hit the spot ! There was lot sto enjoy in this film but a lot was average as well. If you want to watch this don't look for a storyline because you will not find one ! Just watch it for the action and you will not be dissappointed. I would give it perhaps 7 out of 10 and so would place it in between average and good.

After so much talk about this film I just felt it didn't deliver on all parts but yet it is worth seeing.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a traditionally made wuxia, or Chinese martial arts film. It fulfills most of the melodrama shown in standard kung-fu movies, and yet it is so much more than that.

Chow Yun Fat plays Li Mu Bai, an outstanding warrior of the Wutan style of martial arts and swordplay. He is on a mission to avenge the murder of his Master, but he is also bound with honour to deny the love he feels for his best friend, Yu Shu Lien, played by Michelle Yeoh.

Mu Bai gives Shu Lien The Green Destiny, his cherished sword, and asks her to deliver it to Sir Te, Lung Sihung, a leader and a friend of her father.

As soon as the sword gets placed on display, it gets stolen. It is widely believed that Jade Fox, the arch-nemesis of Mu Bai, is behind the disappearance of The Green Destiny.

Shu Lien, however, believes that Jen, the daughter of a governor who is a house guest of Sir Te, has something to do with it. The story continues as Mu Bai and Shu Lien attempt to regain possession of the sword.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is beautiful on many levels. It depicts diverse landscapes of China, from the Gobi desert, the ancient metropolis of Peking, through to the southern Bamboo Forest.

The beauty of the film lies far deeper than mere scenery though. It lies within the human emotions, their connections and repressed feelings. Each character in the film is like a river, calm on the exterior with a current flowing fast beneath the surface.

The advantage of the dvd is for those who are put off by subtitles. The original production is filmed in Mandarin and subtitled in English. Dvd means that you can dub over the film in English, if you prefer. It is interesting to note, however, that both Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun Fat speak Cantonese, and were, therefore, speaking in a language which was not their own.

The first real action scene is about twenty minutes into the film and it is difficult to do it justice, for it is far removed from your usual martial art films. It includes gravity-defying leaps, and body-defying contortions. Absolutely fantastic!

These acclaimed combat scenes are choreographed by Yuen Wo-Ping, who also arranged The Matrix fights, and although I hate wire-stunt work in fight scenes, it does actually have a place in this film because the story supports it, Wutan warriors are trained to control this special ability. Ang Lee also saved the magical quality of these fights by cutting in for long close ups of the actors/actresses as they stare into each other's faces, scrutinising and trying to figure each other out. This is so much more than a mere fighting movie.

Michelle Yeoh is like a shining star in this movie. She plays such a humble and compassionate character, and yet is a true warrior, through and through.

Zhang Ziyi, however, is who really makes this film what is, a masterpiece. Her character, Jen, goes through so many different emotions, and she plays them flawlessly. She is the 'Hidden Dragon' of the title, her full name translating into, 'Nimble Jade Dragon'. Lo Xiao Hu, the Mongolian bandit that she falls in love with, is the 'Crouching Tiger', for his name translates as 'Little Tiger'.

The real heart of this movie is in the extended love scene between Jen and Lo, despite criticism to the contrary. Set against a backdrop of the Gobi desert, their relationship is refreshing in its sincerity.

This was proberly the most boring film I have ever watched as the story line is so unfathomable and the acting is not up to hollywood level, then there is the saving grace in one way, yet another bad point, the martial arts, the idea that anyone could walk on thin branches like that, or almost fly are ridiculas, yet quietly amusing, the whole film is flawed and takes too long for the action to begin, and even when it does there is no Bruce Lee type fighting, just pathetic sword hitting, in my opinion if you want a martial arts film, either get a Bruce Lee film or house of flying daggars.

An excellent storyline, interlaced with martial arts and romance. Superb performances from Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh. The flying action was farcical and imaginative use of wires. The movie as a whole was entertaining.

Set in the 19th century China, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon follows two martial arts masters LI Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat) and Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) as they battle against evil forces to regain the stolen Green Destiny sword and defeat long-time foe Jade Fox.
To succeed they must overcome an unknown warrior, the supremely skilled Jen (Zhang Ziyi), who is fighting against an arranged marriage.
In the process Li is torn between his deep and long-denied feelings for Shu, and his wish to tame and teach Jen.

Winner of over 40 awards, including Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film, Music, Cinematography and Art Direction and four BAFTA's including Best Director, this critically acclaimed masterpiece is, according to the Evening Standard "A movie every man, woman and child on the face of the planet should see".

For every martial arts collector (and even if your not) a must have edition to your DVD collection.

Li Mu Bai (Yun-Fat Chow) is retiring from his life as a Fighting Master; he now seeks peace and a new start in life with Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), the woman he loves but has vowed to keep distance from.

Matters are complicated with the theft of a great sword, the Green Destiny.

Lien's investigation quickly centers on a rich girl named Jen (Zihi Zhang), who hides her fighting skills under embroidered gowns but is ultimately as much about rebellion as Lien is about conformity.

When the two women square off, sparks will fly. Yet Jen has goodness in her. Can Bai and Lien save her from becoming "a poison dragon" in the service of her murderous master, the Jade Fox?

This film is an adaptation of the fourth novel in a pentalogy, or five-novel cycle, known in China as the Crane/Iron Pentalogy and written by noted wuxia (kung-fu) novelist Du Lu Wang.

The novels are "Crane Frightens Kunlun", "Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin", "Sword's Force, Pearl's Shine", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", and "Iron Knight, Silver Vase". Much of the story is not about Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien; they are in fact secondary characters who only become important later in the series.

This is one of the best films I have ever seen, it became an all-time favourite after the first time I saw it, and seemed fresh again the second time. The scenery and costumes are breathtaking, it is romantic (there are two couples so two love stories are going on), and the two main protagonists have great chemistry and charisma.

As well as all the glamour and romance for women to enjoy, the fight scenes are spectacular and have the magic of near-flying thrown in, so it is also very entertaining for men who are fans of martial arts movies. If you buy the DVD of this movie, get some popcorn and a cool drink, sit back on the sofa and prepare to be transported to a world of sheer magic and escapism. It's a visual feast.

Even on the small screen, this is an astonishing movie. Most of the many, many Chinese historical / fantasy action movies are long on action, and short on plot — if there’s any discernible plot at all. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon proved that adding great writing to the usual elements could produce a movie that is not only likely the best in its genre with the likes of hero and house of flying daggers but a beautifully directed movie in its own right with fantastic scenery and wonderful fight scenes a feast for the eyes.simply beautiful!!

This is a really great martial arts action film. And not only for the guys it has a great love story too. This is one of the best Chinese films I've seen in a long time and runs along the same lines as House of Flying Daggers. Although I have to say I prefer watching the English version than the Chinese. An absolutely fantastic film.

I loved watching crouching tiger hidden dragon from start to finish even if you don`t see a tiger or a dragon the music all the way through the film is haunting the special effects stunning alove story in fact this is a film not ju
st for men but women as well watch it and be mesmorized like i was .

For anyone who has never been keen on martial arts, this is your film. Because it is so romantic and deep and emotional that you can't help but be drawn into the story. The perfect martial arts film for girls! It's like Sense and Sensibility with breathtaking stunts. Get it, watch it. You won't regret it.

just like watghing any martcal art movies i like bruce lee jackie chan or any other the movie was great

I decided to buy this item because i have watched it several times on sky and decided i was going to add it to my dvd collection! It compliments my new hifi with surround sound really well as you tend to become captured in the moment! I love the film as there is alot of action to rival the last samurai! Shame there isn't the directors cut version though but overall a great product, highly reckonmended!

This film does not fail to impress. Suberb acting and amazing fight scenes. You can watch the film in english aswell but the only snag is that when you watch the film in chinese and have english subtitles, the subs are different to what the actors speak in english. But that doesn't really bother me. The fight scene toward the end is one of the best I have ever seen. This is a truly spectacular film. A must have for fast paced action lovers!

It's a great film, with a lot of action and kung-fu, but also giving a piece of mind, almost meditative... I would say - a piece of real art.

This is an excellant exsample of the beautiful art of martial arts. As a orange belt holder I appreciate the skill and the years of practice that are needed to produce the stunning fight sequences. I don't hold with the flighing parts to much, but a bit of cinema fantasy doesn't harm. Not to everyones taste, but a charming film.

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is a film that I have been trying to find in car boot sales when all I had to do was look on ebay but I am a bargin hunter!!!!

The dvd I have recieved is of top quailty and it was also a really smooth transaction this seller is a credit to ebay.

I HAVE SEEN THIS FILM MANY TIMES AND LOVE IT, SO I DECIDED TO BUY IT FOR MYSELF, THIS FILM WILL KEEP YOU WATCHING AND WATCHING IT

I was expecting something like Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan but this is gentler with more developed characters. The colour balance was softer and more relaxing so that the action when it comes is all the more unexpected and fierce. Wire work is now fairly common and it fits the ethos of the film. The subtitles are readable and in no way obtrusive as they complement the action.

This is a real story brilliantly told with great action scenes rather than a no brainer shootemup (which have their own appeal).

i dont own it yet, but if you like martial arts film this is a must see. it's incrediable and beautifully filmed, the plot is a bit hard to follow at the beginning but it is a good story too.

i love this film, you must see it even if you dont like these films.

I wonder If I was watching the same film, a very intense and moving story line of love, mirrored between the two couples, intrigue, with Jade Fox and the murder of 'the Master', seduction of the young heroine by the vengeful matriarch, Honour, and this is the juxtaposition of the two couples, the male hero of one and the female heroine of the other couple die for their beliefs, the unrequited love and the bound by tradition of both couples prevents a devoted and lasting relationship.

The photography, excellent, the acting, remembering the characters are Chinese and the protocol and formality present at that time.

A memorable film and a must for any serious collector.

this film is quality. everything about it is brilliant. definately is worth a watch, highly recommmended!!

As with most of these films from China I do enjoy the work that goes into making them watchable. The effects that were used enhanced the film although the movements are very tongue in cheek. However, I find that I like most well constructed films and this is one of them. The seller was extremely helpful.