Ang Lee’s kung-fu epic, ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,’ premieres at the Bijou Feb. 2.
Incredible kung fu skills, quixotic tension and the story of a lost young woman struggling to be true to herself draw viewers to Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Lee (no, not Spike Lee’s brother) directed the insightful film.
The cinematography is reason enough to see this movie. The lush landscapes and views of ancient China comprise the backdrop for this subtitled masterpiece. But the plot is even better.
“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” delivers an entertaining, emotional roller coaster. The acting, imagery and storyline create a magical romance set in feudal China.
Two people in love, Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat) and Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) join together in this kung fu epic to retrieve a stolen sword. The sword thief, Jen Yu (Ziyi Zhang), desires to marry the man she loves and live an adventurous lifestyle. This longing is complicated because Jen is at the mercy of a social tradition that allows her parents to pick her match. Jen’s bitterness causes her to lose track of her virtues, and her scandalous cravings for karate action and the resulting inner conflict constantly supply suspense.
Much of the dialogue sounds like a modern version of Confucianism, which makes each character seem mysterious and intriguing. Li Mu Bai is a disciplined, wise warrior whose perfect timing adds to the rich dialogue. His love and equal in combat skills, Yu Shu Lien, contradicts tradition. Though she is wise, perceptive, courageous and forgiving, her warrior ways guide her into a solitary, daring lifestyle.
These two fighters weave in and out of each other’s lives, which provides exciting tension. They chase Jen’s master, Jade Fox (Pei-pei Cheng), whose name speaks for her character. Fox is the notorious warrior from Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien’s past.
Jen, though, is the most perplexing character in the movie. Jen’s warrior skills and passion to break free from Chinese cultural standards corrupt her. The character development may be rapid, but it never allows a single dull moment.
Although “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” could be mistaken for a contemporary Bruce Lee film, the action did not detract from the emotional drama. Despite the fact that kung fu is displayed in 75 percent of the movie, there is little graphic violence.
Various musical themes heighten the flying kicks, tantalizing dialogue and beautiful scenery. The score was light and airy in moments, but don’t let that fool you. The instruments suddenly climax and wham! — an intensified reaction. The effective series of shifting moods produces excitement.
The fantasy of performing martial arts while soaring over buildings and sailing through trees make this a Chinese “Matrix” without the high-tech gear. It must be seen a few times in order to soak in the depth. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” is superb.
The movie premieres in Eugene on Feb. 2. at Bijou Art Cinemas on East 13th Avenue.