Two warriors in pursuit of a stolen sword and a notorious fugitive are led to an impetuous, physically-skilled, teenage nobleman's daughter, who is at a crossroads in her life.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon poetically orchestrates a timeless love story through stylistic martial arts. 18th Century Qing dynasty, China. A sprawling blank canvas perpetuates the endless perimeters of the fictitious Wudang Sect. The paintbrush of fate, an instrument for creativity, dipped in blank ink. A sword dripping with viscous blood. Broad strokes are set in motion, where application and tool combine. “Calligraphy is similar to fencing”, remarks Shu Lien as she subtly interrogates an aristocratic thief shackled by the restrictions of Chinese bureaucracy. “Fighters have rules too. Friendship, trust, integrity. Always keep your promise. Without rules we wouldn’t survive long”. The expressionless material perched on the silky cloth of privilege, now a vast illustration of loyalty and respect.
Painting the destinies of its repressed characters. An accomplished Wudang swordsman, Mu Bai, suppressing his endearing love for Shu Lien out of loyalty for his recently deceased friend whom she was engaged to. Jen, the daughter of a rich and powerful governor, chosen to marry on their behalf, denying her true feelings for a reclusive bandit named “Dark Cloud”. “To repress one’s feelings only makes them stronger”. A sentiment that director Lee nestled in the heart of Hollywood’s introduction to the lyrical beauty of wuxia.
To some, Crouching Tiger is a martial arts extravaganza boasting expertly choreographed fight sequences and mystical wire work. Yet, it is infinitely more detailed than a superfluous action blockbuster. At its core, beneath Pau’s exquisite cinematography and Dun’s traditionally authentic score, is a love story. A tale that masterfully exploits the limitations of its archaic dynasty to sentimentalise a modern affair. Revolving around the “Green Destiny”, a mighty sword capable of obliterating the opponent’s arsenal of weaponry with one swipe, the ornately implemented characters explore the struggles of power. Acting as a plot device to represent strength without control, “Green Destiny” is seen stolen on multiple occasions by a thief seemingly known to be the “Jade Fox”. Lee invests plenty of narrative hold in the bulk of Dulu’s novel, circumnavigating the history behind each character. But it’s what he implicitly presents within the primary story that truly elevates the onscreen poetry.
A striking progression for the sub-genre is the representation of women, depicting prominent martial arts styles to have been originated by females. Four of the five extensive fight sequences feature either Jen, Shu Lien or both, cementing their physical presence within the narrative. The weaponised duel between the two, a scene that sits amongst the very best in cinematic history, represents a battle for superiority. To assert methodical dominance, regardless of the instrumental tool of destruction. Notably, each choreographed sequence resembled a dance more than a raucous brawl, stipulating each move as a meticulous action for greater meaning.
There is an infectious artistry that resides within the choreography, and the metrical screenplay that garnishes its love story. A script that heavily implies the obligations between a student and teacher, exploring the conflict and responsibility between the two. Jen and Jade Fox illustrating the exploitation of subordination when the student’s limitless potential surpasses that of the teacher. Other prominent thematic strands, including gender reversal and the cowardly usage of poison, supply Crouching Tiger with a near infinite amount of angles to perceive its contents. A truly rare example where film is translated as art.
Bolstering stoic yet sensual performances from all cast members. Yun-fat and Yeoh expertly conveying the emotional repression hidden within, with loyalty controlling their feelings, making their climactic scenes extraordinarily palpable. Ziyi embodying the tenacity of a naive inexperienced student whom exerts limitless potential. The only noticeable criticism that prevents Crouching Tiger from acquiring a perfect rating, is the substantial pacing issue when Jen’s flashback of meeting Dark Cloud in the desert comes to fruition. It is haphazardly edited in and nearly detracts from the present story due to its elongated length.
Regardless, the segment does not detract from Crouching Tiger’s artistry. An accessible beauty for those uninitiated with the wuxia sub-genre, and a romance tale that avoids all clichés. The only fitting sentence to conclude this review, is with a personal favourite quote. “Even if I was banished to the darkest place, my love will never let me be a lonely spirit. I would rather be a ghost drifting by your side as a condemned soul than enter heaven without you. Because of your love, I will never be a lonely spirit”.
