Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). Photofest.
(Wo hu cang long, Ang Lee, Taiwan/Hong Kong/US/China 2000, 35mm, 120 min., Mandarin w/subtitles)
A worldwide phenomenon upon its release, Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon takes us to the early nineteenth century and the waning days of the Qing dynasty. Palace intrigue and martial arts magic intersect around the legend of the Green Destiny, a sword being donated to a regional governor for safe-keeping. When a young thief (Zhang Ziyi) steals the sword, she is pursued by two warriors (Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat) who keep their unrequited feelings at bay, while dealing with her own lost love and betrayal from within. The stunning action is choreographed by Yuen Woo-ping, known for working with Jackie Chan and on the Matrix films. Nominated for ten Academy Awards, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon took home trophies for Score, Cinematography, Art Direction, and Best Foreign Language Film.