Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (DVD 2001)

Ang Lee has a reputation for producing stunning movies and 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon' is the epiphany of any movies he has ever produced.

The movie set in China is a typical samurai-martial arts-combat style movie from Asai but the way in which it is made is simply astonishing. The characters fly through the air in some of the most outstanding combat scenes ever witnessed on screen. But it's not the cheesy, comedy-style unrealism of Jackie Chan; this is the real deal.

Matrix-style movements together with beautiful motion and fighting that keeps you glued to the screen and mouth open wide.

When Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat) has his famous jade sword presented to Governor Yu, he hopes it marks the end of his violent career. But soon the sword is stolen and the murderer of his mentor appears to be back.

You may never see a more beautiful movie - and certainly no more majestic film has yet been made.

It's impossible to forget, either, and you will find yourself weeks later dwelling on individual shots with the intensity you might give to a masterpiece in an art gallery.

A scene with warrior monks, for instance, balanced on the frond-thin branches of a tree high, high in the air is utterly convincing and even - no kidding here - mesmerising.

This movie is just phenomenal, brilliantly acted and directed, flawless in every minute detail. If you had high expectations, you were right to... and you won't be disappointed.