Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun Fat, Zhang Zi-Yi, Chang Chen
Directed by: Ang Lee

Fans of the action and romance genres rejoice! Director Ang Lee's latest effort, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon succeeds in combining the two very different genres in a film of artistic beauty and thrilling action.

The film begins as the legendary sword of Mu Li Bai (played by Chow Yun Fat) is stolen. Suspicions are raised when the daughter a very influential family (Jen played by Zhang Zi-Yi) is believed to have taken it. This leads to several confrontations between Jen and Yu (played by Michelle Yeoh), as their differences in character are revealed. It's an interesting clash of the wise and experienced warrior Yu and Jen, a passionate youth who wants nothing but freedom.

All this leads to some incredibly well choreographed action scenes. And forget about explosions and gunfights; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon offers adrenaline-pumping martial arts in over-the-top settings. Two fight scenes in a teahouse and a riveting scene between Jen and Yu, will leave you breathless.

Entwined with the action scenes are two love stories that contrast greatly in style. Mu Li Bai and Yu rekindle a life long romance that director Ang Lee presents with subtlety and grace rarely seen in films today. Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun Fat are electric on screen and top off a group of great acting performances in the film. The second romance centers on Jen and a rogue desert pirate, played by Chang Chen. Here Ang Lee juxtaposes subtlety with youthful passion as Jen falls in love with her captor in a long memory from her past.

While combining the action and romance genres may feel initially awkward, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon blends the two without missing a beat. Fans of either genre should not miss it.

ASY
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MastaCSG		The feel good movie of the year.
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DroopyMcC		Love that flying.
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