Watching Dragon, Hidden Growler

INDEX

Many Chinese and East Asian films are very successful due to their fantastic creativity and innovation.

Here are a selection that deserve your attention.

Rawle Austin presents...

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Wo Hu Cang Long)

I have to include in my reviews, one of the greatest Chinese language films, in my opinion, to come out in recent times. I am of course talking about Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon which debuted in 2000. Directed by Ang Lee and starring Chow Yun Fat (Zhou Runfa), Michelle Yeoh (Yang Ziqiong) and Zhang Ziyi. It is spoken in Mandarin language with English subtitles.

This film is a true masterpiece and if you haven’t seen it yet I recommend that you get hold of a copy on DVD and prepare for a feast.

If you have seen it, take the time to dust it down and re-watch it.

The film was adapted from series of Chinese Wuxia (Kung Fu) novels by author Wang Du Lu (penname of Wang Bao Siang).

Part four of the five part Crane – Iron pentalogy, Ang Lee has crafted a beautiful, stand alone story that has enthralled millions.

It truly deserved all of it’s four Oscars.

Set in Qing dynasty China, the story follows the lives of two warrior partners, Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat) and Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) who have suppressed their love for each other for far too long and are ready to settle down.

The best-laid plans however, are always ripped apart and old enemies surface to make things difficult. The result is a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions with clear but subtle emotions shown throughout. You find yourself caring for the characters immediately and the immaculate and accurate period costumes show a precise attention to detail. Add to this the fantastic recreation of the local environment and breathtaking locations.

These seem to transport you to the period so thoroughly you can almost touch the atmosphere. All in all, a completely satisfying experience.

Just on these facts alone you have a great movie but there are more surprises to come.

The set piece fight scenes are a joy to behold and stunningly choreographed by the legendary Yuen Wo Ping.

I must also mention the musical score by Tan Dun, which is so moving and so perfect to the whole piece that it is almost another character in the film!

I have no hesitation in recommending this film widely and have seen it on numerous occasions.

The DVD has an additional version dubbed in English which slightly takes away the emotional power of the original while adding an element of comedy and is well worth watching.

Running time: 115 mins, Certificate: 12

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Check out Dianying.com for an extensive database of Chinese films.

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