Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Amazon.com essential video

Hong Kong wuxia films, or martial arts fantasies, traditionally squeeze poor acting, slapstick humor, and silly story lines between elaborate fight scenes in which characters can literally fly. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon has no shortage of breathtaking battles, but it also has the dramatic soul of a Greek tragedy and the sweep of an epic romance. This is the work of director Ang Lee, who fell in love with movies while watching wuxia films as a youngster and made Crouching Tiger as a tribute to the form. To elevate the genre above its B-movie roots and broaden its appeal, Lee did two important things. First, he assembled an all-star lineup of talent, joining the famous Asian actors Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh with the striking, charismatic newcomer Zhang Ziyi. Behind the scenes, Lee called upon cinematographer Peter Pau (The Killer, The Bride with White Hair) and legendary fight choreographer Yuen Wo-ping, best known outside Asia for his work on The Matrix. Second, in adapting the story from a Chinese pulp-fiction novel written by Wang Du Lu, Lee focused not on the pursuit of a legendary sword known as "The Green Destiny," but instead on the struggles of his female leads against social obligation. In his hands, the requisite fight scenes become another means of expressing the individual spirits of his characters and their conflicts with society and each other.

The filming required an immense effort from all involved. Chow and Yeoh had to learn to speak Mandarin, which Lee insisted on using instead of Cantonese to achieve a more classic, lyrical feel. The astonishing battles between Jen (Zhang) and Yu Shu Lien (Yeoh) on the rooftops and Jen and Li Mu Bai (Chow) atop the branches of bamboo trees required weeks of excruciating wire and harness work (which in turn required meticulous "digital wire removal"). But the result is a seamless blend of action, romance, and social commentary in a populist film that, like its young star Zhang, soars with balletic grace and dignity. --Eugene Wei

Description

An epic set against the breathtaking landscapes of ancient China, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, combines the exhilarating martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo-Pind (The Matrix) with the sensitivity and classical storytelling of an Ang Lee film. The result is something truly unexpected: romantic, emotionally powerful entertainment.

Customer Reviews:

beautiful and gravity-defying.............2007-08-12

In all honesty, it is really hard for me to review the DVD version of CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON because I believe this film is really one that you must see in the movie theater to experience the full effect of its marvelously directed splendor. Ang Lee [EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN, THE WEDDING BANQUET, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY] did a brilliant job with this modern day masterpiece. Inspired by the wuxia genre of Chinese film, we see beautiful action sequences, featuring "flying" actors and actresses [suspended from seemingly invisible wire], fighting scenes high in the canopies of trees, and even a love story. This is truly eye popping entertainment and features a wonderfully dynamic and charismatic cast (including Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeoh and Chang Cheng). CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON began a tidal wave of wuxia style film releases in the United States--including THE HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS. For me, this was the best film of its kind and I am so glad that I saw it! I just hope that they re-release this film on the big screen, so, more people can come to appreciate the fine attention to detail and seamless direction that went into making it so extraordinary.

I don't remember much.......2007-07-12

I don't remember much but I remember thanking the person who recommended that I see this film and I loved the scene with the woman jumping from house to house. It was awesome.

Best Martial Arts Film Ever.......2007-06-22

Everything has already been said about this film, so I'll put only a short review here.

Why did I use the superlative in the title? Because it seems to be true for me. (The second place belongs to House of Flying Daggers [Region 99].) The story line is not very strong, but much better than you may see in this genre. The romantic threads do not make it too schmaltzy, and the visual design is simply excellent.

Disappointed..........2007-05-28

Although I enjoyed Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi (as always), I didn't enjoy this movie hardly at all. I couldn't believe this was the movie that got such rave reviews and was Oscar nominated etc. I don't say that foolishly, stating that I dislike the movie when really I dislike the genre. That's not it. I just much prefer films like "House of the Flying Daggers" and "Hero" to this one.

Not The Best Martial Arts Movie.......2007-04-05

the cinemotography is pretty good i this movie, but the plot was raw. This movie was okay.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (UMD Mini For PSP)

Average customer rating:

Awesome Movie!
Awesome Movie!
Awesome movie for the PSP

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (UMD Mini For PSP)
Starring: Chang Chen , Chow Yun-Fat , Chang Cheng , Cheng Pei-Pei , and Sihung Lung
Director: Ang Lee
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: UMD for PSP

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Product Features:

Named "Best Picture of the Year" by over 100 critics nationwide! Two master warriors (Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh) are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Destiny sword is stolen. A young aristocrat (Zhang Ziyi) prepares for an arranged marriage, but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic past. As each warrior battles for justice, they come f

ASIN: B0009IOWGG
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Product Description

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon PSP UMD Movie MODEL- 11559 VENDOR- UMD MOVIE FEATURES- Crouching Tiger PSP Movie An epic set against the breathtaking landscapes of ancient China, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon combines the exhilarating martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo-Ping (The Matrix) with the sensitivity and classical storytelling of an Ang Lee film. The result is something truly unexpected: romantic, emotionally powerful entertainment. Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee took a break from making Western period dramas to fashion this wild and woolly martial arts spectacular featuring special effects and action sequences courtesy of the choreographer of The Matrix (1999), Yuen Woo Ping. In the early 19th century, martial arts master Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat) is about to retire and enter a life of meditation, though he quietly longs to avenge the death of his master, who was killed by Jade Fox (Cheng Pei-pei). He gives his sword, a fabled 400-year-old weapon known as Green Destiny, to his friend, fellow martial arts wizard and secret love Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), so that she may deliver it to Sir Te (Sihung Lung). Upon arrival in Peking, Yu happens upon Jen (Zhang Ziyi), a vivacious, willful politicians daughter. That night, a mysterious masked thief swipes Green Destiny, with Yu in hot pursuit -- resulting in the first of several martial arts action set pieces during the film. Li arrives in Beijing and eventually discovers that Jen is not only the masked thief but is also in cahoots with the evil Jade. In spite of this, Li sees great talent in Jen as a fig

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Movie!.......2005-09-07

Best UMD I've watched to date! If your into movies like Hero, or House of Flying Daggers you will love this one too!

Awesome Movie!.......2005-09-07

Best UMD I've watched to date! If your into movies like Hero, or House of Flying Daggers you will love this one too!

Awesome movie for the PSP.......2005-08-16

I first saw this Chinese-language film quite a while back on a rental VHS. Due to the poor tape quality I wasn't impressed. This time around, I simply fell in love with the PSP presentation. Great visuals (those lovely bamboo trees! and lovely Miss Ziyi), great soundtrack, pretty neat fighting sequences, and the PSP's beautiful screen makes all look so delicious. Now my coworkers who don't have a PSP want to borroww one from those of us who do have one, so they can watch this, too! Whether you are into Kung Fu or romance or just cute Oriental girls (or a Chow Yun-fat fan), this movie is totally for you!

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Superbit Collection)

Average customer rating:

beautiful and gravity-defying......
I don't remember much
Best Martial Arts Film Ever
Disappointed...
Not The Best Martial Arts Movie

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Superbit Collection)
Starring: Yun-Fat Chow , Michelle Yeoh , Ziyi Zhang , Chen Chang , and Sihung Lung
Director: Ang Lee
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005NRND
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Amazon.com essential video

Description

The Superbit titles utilize a special high bit rate digital encoding process which optimizes video quality while offering a choice of both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. These titles have been produced by a team of Sony Pictures Digital Studios video, sound and mastering engineers and comes housed in a special package complete with a 4 page booklet that contains technical information on the Superbit process. By reallocating space on the disc normally used for value-added content, Superbit DVDs can be encoded at double their normal bit rate while maintaining full compatibility with the DVD video format.

Customer Reviews:

beautiful and gravity-defying.............2007-08-12

I don't remember much.......2007-07-12

I don't remember much but I remember thanking the person who recommended that I see this film and I loved the scene with the woman jumping from house to house. It was awesome.

Best Martial Arts Film Ever.......2007-06-22

Disappointed..........2007-05-28

Not The Best Martial Arts Movie.......2007-04-05

the cinemotography is pretty good i this movie, but the plot was raw. This movie was okay.

Average customer rating:

Standard Chinese TV Series
GREAT
Colossal Letdown!
The soap opera version of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Excellent Production

New Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Starring: Chi , Yik , and Tung
Manufacturer: Tai Seng
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ASIN: B0001OGV3A
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Description

The classic swordplay saga based on the acclaimed martial arts novel by Wang Du Lu and made for cinema by Ang Lee, now gets a new interpretation in this expanded and exciting retelling! To escape from an arranged marriage, the feisty and wild Yuk Jiao Lung secretly learns kung fu from her master, who is formerly a member of an anti-government rebel cult. At the same time, swordsman Li Mu Bai meets and falls in love with fellow swordswoman Yu Shu Lien when she takes revenge for her parents' death. The fates of all four of them will eventually link together with the appearance and theft of the legendary Green Destiny Sword. The reappearance of the notorious female bandit Jade Fox further complicates matters. NEW CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON is a sweeping tale of love, revenge and honor, and an incredible martial arts adventure filled with stirring fights and magnificent sceneries shot on location in mainland China.

Customer Reviews:

Standard Chinese TV Series .......2007-03-01

One thing that I always see in reviews are people who compare this film to the Action Adventure wire-fu epic flic. This is a Chinese action drama. It's also a TV series. Not a Gung Fu epic. As an action drama, it's one of my favourites. Amazing action, a much-appreciated love story, and further background into the characters.
Remember that Chinese cinema is NOT American cinema. Everything is different. Different people play the same parts in variations from the original. And each variation can show a different part of the whole story. I loved the further dive into this world.

GREAT.......2004-11-18

this video is the best chinese action movie i've seen besides some I've seen a few years ago with Vivian Leung. The action is great, all the actors/actresses were Great! I liked it so much more than the original crouching tiger hidden dragon.... I would definitely watch it over and over and over again.!!

Colossal Letdown!.......2004-09-22

This version of Crouching Tiger is certain to disappoint most fans of the Ang Lee movie version. The special effects budget is nonexistent. There are scenes where the wires are vividly visible, destroying any believability. Unfortunately, the acting only deepens the disappointment. It is abysmal and amateurish. The story progresses at a jerky pace and the editing is choppy, (probably reflecting the fact that this is condensed from a 15 hour TV version), making it difficult to follow what is going on. Take my advice, save your money! Buy the Ang Lee movie version if you have not already seen it. Watching this horrific and degenerate version is painful and not worth the effort.

The soap opera version of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.......2004-08-15

The Ang Lee version of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon left many Asians with a bad taste. The movie version cut alot of the side stories and boiled it down to the bare essentials. Asian audiences felt that 2 hours was not enough to tell the original story. The same can be said of many book to movie adaptations.

This U.S. DVD release of New Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is essentially a condensed Reader's Digest version of the television mini-series that aired in China shortly after the Ang Lee movie came out.

The original series, like alot of Chinese mini-series, tended to explore many aspects of Chinese culture that would be unfathomable to Western tastes. Much of that is cut out.

This series plays out more like a soap opera with continuing plot lines from episode to episode.

It's too bad that Tai Seng edited alot of the story out as some folks may want to see the complete uncut series. But in the interest of Western audiences, it was pared down to a more managable 4 hour show. This DVD release would probably not have sold very well if it was released in the U.S. in its complete uncut edition with more discs and a higher price.

VCDs of the original uncut series are available in China and in Chinese video rental shops but there are no English subtitles or English dubbing.

Excellent Production.......2004-08-13

This tv production pre-dates the famous movie by a year or so, but, has it's own character and story to tell. Some incidents remain the same, as well as all the major characters, performed by an attractive and talented group of actors (I've developed a little crush on the actress playing Shu lin). This was apparently a much longer work attested to by missing scenes shown in the opening and closing credits and it's a shame Tai Seng has not also offered the complete series dubbed for the serious collector. What's left is a sometimes choppy, but well edited story that expands into many different directions from the movie, yet at it heart never strays from the familiar. Great martial arts too. Very Highly Recommended!!

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Special Edition) DVD / Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon UMD

Average customer rating:

beautiful and gravity-defying......
I don't remember much
Best Martial Arts Film Ever
Disappointed...
Not The Best Martial Arts Movie

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Special Edition) DVD / Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon UMD
Starring: Yun-Fat Chow , Michelle Yeoh , Ziyi Zhang , Chen Chang , and Sihung Lung
Director: Ang Lee
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000EGDAIE
Release Date: 2006-03-28

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

beautiful and gravity-defying.............2007-08-12

I don't remember much.......2007-07-12

I don't remember much but I remember thanking the person who recommended that I see this film and I loved the scene with the woman jumping from house to house. It was awesome.

Best Martial Arts Film Ever.......2007-06-22

Disappointed..........2007-05-28

Not The Best Martial Arts Movie.......2007-04-05

the cinemotography is pretty good i this movie, but the plot was raw. This movie was okay.

Average customer rating:

Headhunter
Starring: Chow Yun Fat
Manufacturer: Digital 1 Stop
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001XGOSI
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Product Description

The jungle warfare in Vietnam created Hong Kong's deadliest hit man. Hong Kong's top action star, Chow Yun Fat (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, The Replacement Killers), teams with famed action director John Soa Liuto to create a chilling portrayal of a deadly killer going out of control.

Superbit Collection (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon / The Fifth Element / Desperado)

Average customer rating:

Superbit review
Review of the DVD quality, not the movies.

Superbit Collection (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon / The Fifth Element / Desperado)
Starring: Bruce Willis , Gary Oldman , Ian Holm , Milla Jovovich , and Chris Tucker
Director: Luc Besson , Ang Lee , and Robert Rodriguez
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005OCJR
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Amazon.com

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Hong Kong wuxia films, or martial arts fantasies, traditionally squeeze poor acting, slapstick humor, and silly story lines between elaborate fight scenes in which characters can literally fly. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon has no shortage of breathtaking battles, but it also has the dramatic soul of a Greek tragedy and the sweep of an epic romance. This is the work of director Ang Lee, who fell in love with movies while watching wuxia films as a youngster and made Crouching Tiger as a tribute to the form. To elevate the genre above its B-movie roots and broaden its appeal, Lee did two important things. First, he assembled an all-star lineup of talent, joining the famous Asian actors Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh with the striking, charismatic newcomer Zhang Ziyi. Behind the scenes, Lee called upon cinematographer Peter Pau (The Killer, The Bride with White Hair) and legendary fight choreographer Yuen Wo-ping, best known outside Asia for his work on The Matrix. Second, in adapting the story from a Chinese pulp-fiction novel written by Wang Du Lu, Lee focused not on the pursuit of a legendary sword known as "The Green Destiny," but instead on the struggles of his female leads against social obligation. In his hands, the requisite fight scenes become another means of expressing the individual spirits of his characters and their conflicts with society and each other. The filming required an immense effort from all involved. Chow and Yeoh had to learn to speak Mandarin, which Lee insisted on using instead of Cantonese to achieve a more classic, lyrical feel. The astonishing battles between Jen (Zhang) and Yu Shu Lien (Yeoh) on the rooftops and Jen and Li Mu Bai (Chow) atop the branches of bamboo trees required weeks of excruciating wire and harness work (which in turn required meticulous "digital wire removal"). But the result is a seamless blend of action, romance, and social commentary in a populist film that, like its young star Zhang, soars with balletic grace and dignity. --Eugene Wei

The Fifth Element
Ancient curses, all-powerful monsters, shape-changing assassins, scantily-clad stewardesses, laser battles, huge explosions, a perfect woman, a malcontent hero--what more can you ask of a big-budget science fiction movie? Luc Besson's high-octane film incorporates presidents, rock stars, and cab drivers into its peculiar plot, traversing worlds and encountering some pretty wild aliens. Bruce Willis stars as a down-and-out cabbie who must win the love of Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) to save Earth from destruction by Jean-Baptiste Emmanuel Zorg (Gary Oldman) and a dark, unearthly force that makes Darth Vader look like an Ewok. --Geoff Riley

Desperado
It's Sergio Leone meets Sam Peckinpah meets Quentin Tarantino in this ultraviolent, mythological shoot-'em-up by auteur Robert Rodriguez. In Desperado, Rodriguez creates larger-than-life, genre-tweaking stock characters and puts them through their paces. As they stride bravely through an Old West lightly dusted with camp humor, they're periodically called upon to nimbly dodge bullets and fireballs through outrageously choreographed displays of Hollywood pyrotechnics. In this bigger-budget semi-remake/semi-sequel to Rodriguez's indie sensation, El Mariachi (made, famously, for $7,000), Antonio Banderas is the darkly charismatic El Mariachi, the Mysterious Stranger in town; Steve Buscemi is perfectly cast as his weasely, motor-mouth Comic Sidekick, laying the groundwork for El Mariachi's entrance by spinning saloon stories to build up his legend; Cheech Marin is a standout as the Bartender, who really knows how to handle a toothpick; and gorgeous Salma Hayek is, well, the Girl--treated to the kind of full-blown, slow-mo introduction the movies traditionally lavish on beautiful new stars. It doesn't add up to much, but it's a kick. --Jim Emerson

Description

Customer Reviews:

Superbit review.......2002-04-20

Odds are you're reading this and wondering about Superbit and not about the movies themselves. If you just wanted the movie you'd just get the normal movie and save a few bucks, so I'll address the Superbit stuff here. Can you tell a difference? Yes. Is it dramatic? Sometimes. Sound quality is remarkable but only if your home theatre can render sound extremely well. On normal TV speakers you won't hear a difference. Picture quality is notably better *sometimes*. For example, in the Fifth Element during the taxi scenes or when LeeLoo is being reconstructed, or in Crouching Tiger in many of the outdoor scenes. Since Superbit by definition uses the entire disk for enhanced picture and sound, there are NO DVD extras included. For Fifth Element this is no different than from the regular DVD because it has no extras. Crouching Tiger is a different story. You may want to own both as the standard DVD is chock full of extras. If your DVD player is a computer, you'll need PLENTY of speed and memory to play these at full quality.

Review of the DVD quality, not the movies........2001-11-27

Two of the movies included are fabulous, one is reasonably entertaining. But, you can read a review of these movies anywhere. I am giving my recommendation for this particular DVD set and the format. The picture and sound quality literally blew me off my chair. Above and beyond the quality of even the best DVD's I have seen, including Criterion collection discs of other movies. You won't get a lot of "extras" (scenes, bios, etc.) on these discs, but you do get the best experience watching the movie bar none, period, with these discs. If you spent the money on a surround sound receiver and large, flat screen TV, spend the money on these discs to justify the other, larger investments in your Home theatre you have made.

HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS/CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON-SE (DVD/SXS)

Average customer rating:

almost romantic.
Unrealistic
The House of Flying Chaos.......
Beautifully styled film that makes up for what it lacks in breathtaking visuals...
Misleading criticism...

HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS/CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON-SE (DVD/SXS)
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Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B0007Q6VXM

Amazon.com

No one uses color like Chinese director Zhang Yimou--movies like Raise the Red Lantern or Hero, though different in tone and subject matter, are drenched in rich, luscious shades of red, blue, yellow, and green. House of Flying Daggers is no exception; if they weren't choreographed with such vigorous imagination, the spectacular action sequences would seem little more than an excuse for vivid hues rippling across the screen. Government officers Leo and Jin (Asian superstars Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro) set out to destroy an underground rebellion called the House of Flying Daggers (named for their weapon of choice, a curved blade that swoops through the air like a boomerang). Their only chance to find the rebels is a blind women named Mei (Ziyi Zhang, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) who has some lethal kung fu moves of her own. In the guise of an aspiring rebel, Jin escorts Mei through gorgeous forests and fields that become bloody battlegrounds as soldiers try to kill them both. While arrows and spears of bamboo fly through the air, Mei, Jin, and Leo turn against each other in surprising ways, driven by passion and honor. Zhang's previous action/art film, Hero, sometimes sacrificed momentum for sheer visual beauty; House of Flying Daggers finds a more muscular balance of aesthetic splendor and dazzling swordplay. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

almost romantic. .......2007-08-28

On the surface, this thing is awesome eyecandy. lush scenery, beautiful costume, fantastic action sequences, blah, blah, blah, blah. Yes, it looks exquisite in all its widescreen delight and the sound is incredible. But... just beneath the thin, oh so slick veneer, is the over the top melodrama, the very one dimensional bad guy, the doomed romance, and all the cookie cutter disposable solidiers. This was a whole lot of fun to watch, and very moving at times, but on closer review it starts to resemble something like bamboo. Solid to a point, but hollow on the inside, and very likely to split apart when over used. Visually superb at times? of course. Entertaining? sure. Satisfying as a story? well...almost.

Unrealistic.......2007-08-27

First of all, let me explain. Yes, I know this is a fantasy tale that where we are supposed to suspend belief in order to enjoy the film, but I think these Chinese films take things a bit too far. For example, even in Spiderman where we are given a superhuman man with spider powers BUT his movements, his actions, his jumps seem to be what a person with his stregnth and abilities might be able to do. Ultimately the laws of physics are loosely followed. I understand it's a Chinese martial arts movie and the characters will do some incredible things, which is great but they do things that are completely and utterly impossible. Um... float for no reason. Prop themselelves between two bamboo stems even though in reality the pressure would push the bamboo sticks away from each other. Stuff like that just makes it hard for me to enjoy the movie.
Beyond this, the characters are cold and we are never really given a reason to care about them. Yes, the movie is beautiful at times and perhaps this is the only thing that saves it. Even the story isn't that bad but it needed to be developed and the characters needed to be fleshed out.
If you want to see a really good Chinese movie then I suggest you see "Together" by Hong Chen. Enjoy.

The House of Flying Chaos..............2007-08-12

I was a great fan of CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, so, when I heard that another wuxia film was being brought to the United States, I flocked to the movie theater to see this one. Director Zhang Yimou (HERO) sets the scene for us with broad use of color and drama. I can't argue that the opening dance sequence with the blind courtesan (Ziyi Zhang) isn't pretty eyepopping. However, the convoluted plot left MUCH to be desired. Granted, I am up for an intriguing plot centered on a battle of wits anyday (I loved HERO), this film was, for me, one melodrama after another. Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say that I was particularly offended by one depiction of rape and abuse that then blossoms into a relationship between victim and victimizer. Also, there were some scenes intended to be highly dramatic in tone, and I recall several members of the audience giggling over the absurdity of the thoroughly unbelievable acting and the stylized violence (a familiar sequence in Chinese wuxia cinema is that where you see blood dripping from the slain/maimed individual's mouth). There aren't really heros here--just different degrees of villainhood, and, for the most part, it's a battle based on manipulation, and it all stems from the society of the House of Flying Daggers and interrogating those possibly affiliated with the organization. I would advise you to skip this one. It's just a little too much......I can't imagine how it transfers to the small screen, as a DVD, but I would imagine it just looks absurd on a smaller scale.

Beautifully styled film that makes up for what it lacks in breathtaking visuals..........2007-08-09

`House of Flying Daggers' is truly no `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'. That's in no way to say it's not visually stunning and engrossing, it just lacks a little of that flare and a lot of that plot that made `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' so brilliant. Director Zhang Yimou keeps his film heavy on the action but very light on substance. It still delivers, don't get me wrong, and I was not entirely disappointed while it's credits began to roll but I will say that when you've been spoiled with something like Ang Lee's `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' you begin to wish that every Asian film could be that wonderful.

The film centers around a group of rebels referring to themselves as the House of Flying Daggers, or more specifically around one of their members, a blind woman named Mei posing as a showgirl. This rebel group is in direct conflict with the government and so two officials, Leo and Jin devise a plan to infiltrate the rebel's lair. Jin disguises himself as a lone rebel himself, rescues her from the hands of government officials and offers to escort her back to her group. Along the way though, they are met with adversity. The governor, unknowing of Leo and Jin's plan, has sent out his best soldiers to track down and kill Mei and Jin. The fight sequences that follow are brilliantly choreographed and directed. In fact, I'd be tempted to say they rival or maybe even transcend those in Lee's lauded film, but I haven't seen `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' in a few years and so I'm not the best judge at the moment. The fight within the trees alone though is breathtaking.

As has been mentioned, the use of color within this film really takes it to another level. The fight sequences are even more spectacular thanks to the wide range of reds and greens, whites and yellows all wrapped up within the natural backdrop to the scenes. It's beautiful to look at, elegant and effortlessly put together. The actor's movements are so well calculated, so controlled, and they perfectly complement the mood each scene intends to portray.

`House of Flyer Daggers' fails in the one aspect of plot, for everything else is truly splendid. The above plot in itself would have sufficed, and it does have more twists and turns than an episode of `The Sopranos' but it tries a little too hard to transfer into a love story and it's there that it falls flat. I don't want to give away too much of those `twists and turns' but I will say that it loses it's focus towards the end, and instead of delivering a final battle between rebel's and government (a battle I was salivating over in expectation of) it gives us a battle between star-crossed lovers that delivers in beauty but fails to deliver in emotional depth and thus becomes just another fight.

The acting is decent all the way around, but Ziyi Zhang is truly the standout. Her performance is so tempered, so controlled it transcends the performances of her cast mates and becomes award worthy, Oscar nomination worthy even. She's the only actor in the cast that is able to really connect with the audience, in such a deep way that even though I found the love story aspect a little phony and unbelievable I believed her character, I believed her side of that love and that in itself was a major accomplishment for Zhang. Ziyi has got quite the resume going for herself, and she has all the potential in the world to be an Oscar winning actress. Once the academy learns to embrace her stylized performances over her more Americanized (say `Memoirs of a Geisha') then they will see the beauty and grace that we all see.

The film, while far from perfect, still offers quite a bit for the far on this form of martial arts film. The direction is top notch and the scenery just as breathtaking as the choreography. I surely enjoyed myself and would watch this film again. So sit back and enjoy, just don't expect anything too deep emotionally, just some beautiful, graceful and in the end brutal battles that more than make up for what this film lacks.

Misleading criticism..........2007-08-03

It is very disheartening to see a great number of reviews comparing this movie to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero. While they have similarities I can not help but feel that the comparisons are being done mainly because the audience is trying to grasp onto something familiar. Let us not compare apples to oranges simply because they were both grown in China, yes?

When this movie hit American theaters I wanted so badly to see it but I never had the chance. Quite some time passed and I eventually saw it available for rent.

The first impression was a strong one. The movie is vivid and saturated and the attention to detail painstaking. To cite an example, watch the tack used on the horses in the movie. It is all completely custom and each piece different than the next. The style is the same from piece to piece but none are alike. That speaks volumes on the dedication and quality put into the costuming and props. It is one thing to put true effort in to the actors attire but to really go as far as to make sure even the animals are properly turned out is impressive for this genre.

I feel that there isn't much left to say about the story. Nearly 300 reviews tell you it is an unrealistic tale of love, deception and lies... And finally, remuneration. However, I will disagree with many and say that the story is not empty nor is it frivolous. To have a love like Mei and Jin's is the dream of many, but at the same time a complete and utter nightmare. Their blind devotion and obsessive tendencies are dangerous and lead to the suffering of others besides themselves.

The action truly takes a back set to the love and drama but is treated with the highest respect. The scenes are beautiful and some incredibly feminine and enchanting.

The story is fanciful and romantic. The ending is heart breaking but fulfilling. Love and obsession merge with greed and retribution. I personally feel the story is quite realistic given the circumstances. No good can come of passion so strong and rampant.

I never tire of this film. I have long since added it to my collection and find yet another reason to love it each time I view it.

Iron Monkey (Special Collector's Edition) [Region 2 Import]

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Iron Monkey (Special Collector's Edition) [Region 2 Import]

Manufacturer: Hong Kong Legends
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Product Features:

Digitally Re-mastered and restored DVD transfer.
English Dubbed and Cantanese Language with remastered subtitles
AC3 Digital Audio
Interview Gallery
Original Trailer and more

ASIN: B000LPP7OI

Product Description

For this breathtaking epic adventure set in the late Ching dynasty, acclaimed action director Yuen Woo-ping combines incredible dynamic, high-flying fight-action and stunning cinematography with a classic story of courage, honour and sacrifice. International action superstars Donnie Yen ("Once upon a Time in China 2," "Highlander 4") and Yu Rong Kwong ("Shanghai Noon," "Project S") give immaculate performances as two legendary warriors who must put their lives on the line to defeat the barbaric excesses of a corrupt political regime and protect the lives of the people whose cause they champion. Making judicious use of low-key lighting, high contrast colour combinations and a haunting soundtrack, director Yuen Woo-ping creates a unique visual tapestry and captures a mood, which is generally romantic and yet emotionally charged. Each fight sequence is both original and enervating, possessing a relentless kinetic energy and strong emotional underscoring, which lifts it well beyond traditional martial arts action.

Sony Pictures Classics 10th Anniversary (All About My Mother / Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon / Indochine / Run Lola Run)

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Sony Pictures Classics 10th Anniversary (All About My Mother / Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon / Indochine / Run Lola Run)
Starring: Columbia 4 Pak
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005Y6XT
Release Date: 2002-03-05

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All About My Mother
After her son is killed in an accident, Manuela (Cecilia Roth) leaves Madrid for her old haunts in Barcelona. She reconnects with an old friend, a pre-op transsexual prostitute named La Agrado (Antonia San Juan), who introduces her to Rosa (Penélope Cruz), a young nun who turns out to be pregnant. Meanwhile, Manuela becomes a personal assistant for Huma Rojo (Marisa Paredes), an actress currently playing Blanche DuBois in a production of A Streetcar Named Desire. All About My Mother traces the delicate web of friendship and loss that binds these women together. The movie is dedicated to the actresses of the world, so it's not surprising that all the performances are superb. Roth in particular anchors All About My Mother with compassion and generosity. But fans of writer-director Pedro Almodóvar needn't fret--as always, Almodóvar's work undermines conventional notions of sexual identity and embraces all human possibilities with bright colors and melodramatic plotting. However, All About My Mother approaches its twists and turns with a broader emotional scope than most of Almodóvar's work; even the more extravagant aspects of the story are presented quietly, to allow the sadness of life to be as present as the irrepressible vitality of the characters. Almodóvar embraces pettiness, jealousy, and grief as much as kindness, courage, and outrageousness, and the movie is the richer for it. --Bret Fetzer

Indochine
Régis Wargnier's 1992 Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film is a bit like watching paint dry, despite its exotic locale and lead performance by the legendary Catherine Deneuve (Belle de Jour, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg). Deneuve plays a wealthy French landowner, born and raised in Indochina, from 1930 until 1955, the year of a Communist takeover. The brewing political changes bound to upset her fortune and destiny find an even more personal parallel in her relationship with an adopted daughter (Linh Dan Pham), who grows up and becomes independent. The outline of this scenario sounds pretty good, but the film is flat and unworthy of its star. --Tom Keogh

Run Lola Run
It's difficult to create a film that's fast paced, exciting, and aesthetically appealing without diluting its dialogue. Run Lola Run, directed and written by Tom Tykwer, is an enchanting balance of pace and narrative, creating a universal parable that leaps over cultural barriers. This is the story of young Lola (Franka Potente) and her boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu). In the space of 20 minutes, they must come up with 100,000 deutsche marks to pay back a seedy gangster, who will be less than forgiving when he finds out that Manni incompetently lost his cash to an opportunistic vagrant. Lola, confronted with one obstacle after another, rides an emotional roller coaster in her high-speed efforts to help the hapless Manni--attempting to extract the cash first from her double-dealing father (appropriately a bank manager), and then by any means necessary. From this point nothing goes right for either protagonist, but just when you think you've figured out the movie, the director introduces a series of brilliant existential twists that boggle the mind. Tykwer uses rapid camera movements and innovative pauses to explore the theme of cause and effect. Accompanied by a pulse-pounding soundtrack, we follow Lola through every turn and every heartbreak as she and Manni rush forward on a collision course with fate. There were a variety of original and intelligent films released in 1999, but perhaps none were as witty and clever as this little gem--one of the best foreign films of 1999. --Jeremy Storey

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