‘Crouching Tiger’: foreign fun, part II
During their fledgling years, the cable networks used to show some really awful kung fu flicks after midnight. At first I couldn’t understand their appeal. But when my friends and I began experimenting with sleep deprivation and alcohol, we learned that something happens to the intoxicated mind after midnight. Suddenly what would normally have been painful to watch became fiercely engaging entertainment. Soon we found ourselves caught up in a cycle of underage beer runs, binge drinking and late night martial arts television programming.
Then, in a decision that shook the very foundation of our existence, the networks abruptly changed their late night format from bad kung fu films to bad bikini flicks. We were appalled. The loss heralded a change in our lives. Within a short time, most of us had quit drinking and found jobs – reluctantly returning to a world where people’s lips moved in perfect sync with their voices.
Naturally, I got nostalgic when I heard “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” was coming to town. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a movie filmed entirely in Chinese. (The film’s real name is “Wo Hu Zang Long.”) I’d hoped for a good action movie. I’d heard it was good. I went with high expectations, and I wasn’t disappointed.
“Crouching Tiger” is the best martial arts movie I’ve ever seen. That’s hard for me to say, because I’ve always professed to be a dyed-in-the-wool Bruce Lee fan. After seeing this movie, I now know it is possible to interweave a compelling story and beautiful cinematography into a martial arts film. Chow Yun-Fat once again proves that martial artists don’t have to be bad actors.
China has never been tops on my list of tourist destinations. But Peter Pau’s work behind the camera has convinced me that I might want to rethink that. The scenery is beautiful. Each setting seems carefully selected to compliment the mood of the scene. Regal, tranquil settings have been selected to showcase the quiet, mature love shared by Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat) and Yui Hsui Lien (Michelle Yeoh), While Jen (Zhang Zi Yi) and Lo (Chang Cheng) discover passion in the stark but beautiful Gobi Desert.
Nor can I say enough good about the action scenes. Aside from being perfectly choreographed by Yuen Woo-ping of “The Matrix,” the fighting was equal opportunity – enough even to satisfy the most jaded Gloria Steinem winnabe. There were no distinctions between the abilities of men and women. In fact, the most technically pleasing fight scene takes place between Jen and Yui (both women). Although the gravity-defying, roof-to-roof chase scenes grew a tad tiresome, the resulting fight scenes more than made up for them. One fight even takes place while the characters jump from treetop to treetop.
“Crouching Tiger” is a must-see – even if you are averse to reading subtitles. It’s showing at the Main Theater (Alternative Cinema) in Smithfield. It’s worth the drive. The film is excellent, the Main gives discounts to students and the popcorn is free.