Rating: 
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is simply a masterpiece. A brilliant film with great performances by its stars, Michelle Yeoh, Chow yun fat, and especially Zhang Ziyi. Director Ang Lee along with his choreographer tell this epic story in a stunning and creative visual way that makes this film one of the greatest ever made. The action scenes in this film are jaw dropping, and are unmatched by any action film ever made. Along with the action, is a great story and great characters that reflect influences from Lord of the Rings, and parallel the Jedi of the Star Wars trilogy, but remain consistent with the eastern culture and philosophy which permeates throughout the story. In fact, the main characters, especially Jen, portrayed by the talented Zhang Ziyi , seem to question that philosophy and culture throughout the film, almost rebelling against it. This is foreshadowed in the beginning of the film when Yun-fat's character describes how his meditation leads him to a place of sorrow instead of enlightenment. In a later scene, Yeoh 's character questions the buddhist teaching of Fat's character in relation to their suppressed love, pointing out the touch of her hand is real,not an illusion, even though it is of this world. However it is also the discipline of this eastern spirituality that gives these knights their power. the main character Jen, abuses this power, along with the power given to her when she posesses the Green Destiny, a magical and powerful sword, owned by the wizard -like, or jedi- like, character portrayed by Chow Yun-Fat. The Green Destiny, much like the ring of power in lord of the rings, or the force in Star Wars, becomes a power that threatens to consume Jen. Throughout the film , Jen rebels against the traditions of the easten culture and philosophy. Even during the action scenes, as Chow Yun-Fat's character scolds her, she responds by telling him to stop talking like a monk and fight. Her rebellion is also reflected in her love for a barbarian that lives in the desert. Jen's rebellion is an extreme one, however, that leads to such deep despair, that it leaves the viewer to question if even the true love she found in the desert can save her. This movie has everything one wants in an epic, great story, acting, cinematography, directing, score. This film should win an Oscar for Best Picture... Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is truly a great film.
Rating:
Summary: By Far One of the Most Exciting Movies EVER Filmed
Review: I don't see how anyone can possibly give this film anything less than 5+ stars (if I could, I'd give it six.) Some folks simply refuse to sit through Foreign Language flicks, and ultimately, they are losing out on experiencing a magical epic that deserves a hallowed spot atop any Top Ten list. The special effects are dazzling as the cast literally flies, straddles tree tops and scales walls at 90 degree angles. The cast is brilliant, especially the starring female leads, both of whom deserved Oscar nods (again, the foreign language aspect most likely kept them out of consideration). In every way, Ang Lee completely (and seemingly effortlessly) surprises and engages each viewer. I found myself gasping, clapping and oohing at the screen, despite seeing it by myself (again, my American friends resisted the Mandarin, though english dubbed and subtitled versions are available on DVD, but never/rarely are they as good as the original.) I am not one for martial arts, nor for flights of fantasy. Nor, for that matter, do I attend war flicks or action/adverture movies that often. But this film has stuck with me now for over a year and is likely to remain in my heart and mind forever. Read the subtitles, and miss this movie at your own risk - it is far superior to "Gladiator" and completely unprecedented in terms of Ang Lee's past brilliant successes (from "The Wedding Banquet" to "Sense and Sensibility" to "The Ice Storm" - all favorites of mine - nothing ever prepared me for this magical odessey!) Easily one of the best films released in the past 50 years, and sure to rank high in future AFI lists, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" earns its stripes and its 5 stars in every scene, in every sequence, and in every way! You will be inspired and awed by this instant classic!
Rating:
Summary: Five Stars Aren't Enough For This One!
Review: I don't often say this about a film here on Amazon, but this is the first instance where there should be more than 5 stars available. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the ultimate in filmmaking. Where do I start? The lush scenery? The fighting scenes that resembled beautiful and graceful dances--although they bring to mind the fight sequences of "Matrix" after all they WERE choreographed by Woo Ping. The wonderful acting by Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh (although they don't speak English at all)? What about Ang Lee's fine directing? Either way you slice and dice it--no pun intended--this film is a captivating wonder of beauty and love posing as a Chinese martial arts film. Truly a masterful move on Mister Lee's behalf. If nothing else, this film is a perfect example of creative filmmaking and story-telling. If this doesn't win an award at least in the BEST FORIEGN FILM category, I will personally FLY DOWN, WALK ON WALLS, whatever, and slap a few judges faces. This is a must have in your DVD collection, trust me.
Rating:
Summary: A divine spectacle
Review: I had high hopes for this film and the movie met everyone of them. The story revolves around Master Li and his lover. After giving up his sword to a friend of his, corruption begins. Li's lover meets Jen, the governer's daughter, who is being scheduled to be married. The two consider themselves to be sisters. That night, a ninja under the guidance of Jade Fox, steals the sword. From here, the movie takes many twist and turns. The movie is basically an action\romance film that will appeal to anyone. There is also many weapons. In one scene, the two sisters fight using everyone weapon availabe, from spears to a metal rod. Including weapons that you may never have seen before. The violence, as far as gore goes, isn't frequent, but when it comes, its very gruesome. Some were disatisfied by the "Matrix" stlye moves. Those moves are just graceful jumps or running (kinda like a bad stunt), but for the most part, it won't bother viewers. Plus, the movie is subtitled and not horribly dubbed. I recommend this movie to any one who loves ninjitsu, action and romance. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Beauty and battle.
Review: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the greatest martial arts movie I've ever seen. Like all great films in the genre, there are reams of battles, but Director Ang Lee has taken things farther. His movie isolates and preserves the pivotal element of personal excellence over the conflict itself. It is uniquely heroic to see a warrior's gravity defying leaps and bounds, conquer his enemy through virtuous character as much as actual feats of combat prowess, and stand triumphant over a legion of his inferiors (individual vs. the collective?).When I saw this movie with a friend of mine who generally derided martial arts movies for their silliness, even she was amazed by the battle choreography and deeply touched by the story. Intensifying the combat is the simple romance which captures an intimate quality often missing from these movies. The skillful translation, combined with the subtle yet effective acting, layers the fundamentals of the story with emotional clarity that conveys these feelings, instead of just telling the player of them. The scenery is often beautiful, capturing the Romanticism of the setting and the story. And the battle scenes... Awe-inspiring in their speed and athletics, I've never seen more exhilarating physical confrontations. I cannot describe the breathless sense of urgency enjoined by these fights, which are tests are character as much as battles. Watching the battles more than once reveals a remarkable level of depth and ingenuity behind the choreography. The greatest combative moment in the film comes in an unconventional setting: treetops. Here, the characters bound across the leafy canopy, trading blows with a shriek of steel that seems out of place in a setting so exquisite. It's like poetry in motion. Just watching it gave me shivers. An amazing film; so much more than a martial arts movie.
Rating:
Summary: Culture clash and Battles of the sexes in China
Review: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon - Ang Lee This film has tremendous performances from Chow Yun Fat in his first action role and Michelle Yeoh as his star crossed lover. The fight scenes are improbably dazzling and once again Yuen Wo Ping, who choreographed The Matrix makes the film a dazzling display of movement with action sequences that literally take your breath away. The Director, Ang Lee has made the film palatable to American and European audiences. Check out the genre change as Jen (Zhang Ziyi) chases her lover across the desert and the film magically becomes a western. The film is primarily about traditional Chinese society and its inability to deal with the encroaching equality of Chinese women. The three main female characters all centre around the figure of Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun Fat). They all show different kinds of female role. Wife, Daughter and the woman who is rejected by society for her refusal to take on one of these valid roles. The character Jade Fox is excluded from society for stealing secret wisdom, which has only previously been available to Men. Jen is allowed this knowledge only when she redeems herself by turning to her father figure Li Mu Bai. This shows brilliantly the struggle between Chinese women and traditional influence.
Jen, the main protagonist is fighting against traditional Chinese values in the form of an arranged marriage. She is a gifted martial arts expert under the tuition of the rogue Jade Fox. Li Mu Bai wants to teach her himself. He takes on a patriarchal role, attempting to harness Jens' skills in a legitimate way. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is a visual masterpiece with amazing scenery and out of this world choreography. It offers a high-quality, subtle plot with full character exploration. The film has also won four Oscars and four Baftas, so this should be an indication of its tremendous quality. It is also the first film to bring Chinese cinema to western audiences on a blockbuster scale.
Rating:
Summary: Mesmeric martial arts epic
Review: "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is, without any equivocation, a dazzling martial arts picture which has somewhat revived a moribund genre. Kung fu films have, in general, undergone some considerable decline in recent years, with the exception of Hong Kong superstar Jet Li attempting to breath life into the stagnating line of formula-plotted bone-breaking fests. Credit must also go to Ang Lee for electing to do add a slightly innovative and unconventional touch to the genre. The cheesy dubbed dialogue (which translates poorly and hilariously) is jettisoned in favour of the original Chinese language subtitled into English, thus preserving the film's main saving grace, its culture. While mainstream kung fu afficionoados have grown weary of production-line plotlines generally involving the hero's lost mother/brother/pet goldfish, "Crouching Tiger..." eschews all of these stereotypes and sets about creating a truly authentic atmosphere. Lee's directorial style, incorporating balletic action sequences, high-octane martial arts feats is a marvel, and every minute detail is captured with a lovingness that most directors simply lack. The fight sequences are stunningly choreographed and the "flying" episodes appear intriguing. While Chow Yun Fat and Zhang Ziyi's treetop battle has been, in my opinion, much overrated, an even more absorbing martial arts encounter was that between Michelle Yeoh's Shu Lien and Ziyi's Jen. Both instances, both in the courtyard and the dojo are, quite unreservedly, the greatest martial arts displays ever captured on celluloid. Wo Ping's sequencing and choreography of the fight scenes is nonpareil, excelling even the work of the late, great Bruce Lee. The film is one of the best films ever made, devoted kung fu fans are strongly recommended to see it. Production standards (e.g. art direction, set design, costumes and cinematography) are all of the higest order.
Rating:
Summary: This is not...
Review: ... a Jackie Chan kind of movie. What's up with some of you? It's not a correct comparison. And of course, people don't really fly (like Superman, idiots!)! It's called STYLE!! But you know, there's a reason why we're in the mess we're in right now...
Rating: 
Summary: What a joke!
Review: It is surprising how a movie like this can fool so many movie goers, the Academy and all the reviewers who have written rave reviews about this movie here on Amazon. I lived in Singapore for two years in the mid nineties and every other martial art chinese movie telecast on TV showed the same old stupid flying acrobatics, bizzare and figment-of-your-imagination weapons, indefatigable fighters, body moves defying laws of physics and other such whimsical and ludicrous stuff. They must have made a gazillion such movies (wonder if they'll ever stop making them) showing the same old rubbish over and over again to the point of nausea and then one of these movies makes it to the west and guess what? It takes home an Oscar for the best Foreign Language film! Give me a break! Maybe Ang Lee wanted to play a big joke on Hollywood and I can imagine him laughing at the end of it all. Truly one of the biggest pratical jokes made on the movie going audience.
Rating: 
Summary: Crouching Oscar, Hidden Failure
Review: The only thing distinguishing this film from your average "D" quality Hong Kong kung-fu film is the state-of-the-art cinemtography and slightly above average directing. Apart from that, the screenplay is whimsical, the acting dull and shallow, and the script is inundated with those generic Confucian/Dow Chinese proverbs already overused in the 70's Kung-Fu series with David Caradine. Yes, Chinese kung-fu cinema often has the characters floating in the air or doing other motions that defy the limitations of physics: this reflects their notion of how the channeling of chi through mental and physical concentration can overcome natural laws. Although I'm not disturbed with such reality gaps in film, I don't see why it would be worth of an Oscar or the amount of praise it received. The screenplay presents a story that is just as absurd as the one for Rambo II where Rambo bravely defeats an entire entire North Vietnamese regiment using just a knife. Rambo II wasn't Oscar material and wouldn't have been Oscar material even if it had a better script, an added love story and enhanced cinematography: Why? Because the story line is generic and unimaginative. The same goes for Crouching Tiger: the story is essentially no different than every other generic kung-fu film coming out of Hong Kong. This is not to say that there aren't any good films coming out of China but, kung-fu films are essentially the Chinese equivalent of our Shwarzenneger or Stallone films. Have either of the latter actors or their action films won Oscars? No. So why should Crouching Tiger: just because it's foreign?
Check out "Red Firecraker, Green Firecracker" or "Farewell My Concubine" for good Chinese drama not this overhyped and revamped generic kung-fu fiasco.
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