CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON * (Released to the New York Film Festival, New York City, New York USA 2000)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon—a highly sculpted, cultural film—easily earns its four-star rating. A 'not-to-be-missed' movie, it captivates international markets, dominates box office sales, and wins four Academy Awards. The story takes its audience through the angst of unfulfilled love, the passion of fulfilled love, the bitterness of ill-used power, and the betrayal of friendship—all against outstanding Asian scenery.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A legendary sword weaves its way through many story threads to re-connect events of the past, present, and future.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ang Lee. Thank you to Executive Producers David Linde and James Schamus for making the film possible. Cast include: Michelle Yeoh, Fa Zeng Li, Zhang Ziyi, Chow Yun-Fat, Sihung Lung, Chen Chang, Xian Gao, and Yan Hai.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film performs well. 

*Also Known As: Wo hu cang long 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS * (Released to the Cannes Film Festival, Cannes, France 2004)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Stars ìììì

House of Flying Daggers, unexpectedly, stands, if not the best, among the best Asian movies produced over the last several years. It’s a triangle love story that, for once, can tell its story without scene after scene of sex and nudity. While there are some graphic scenes, they are not overdone. A refreshing film to watch. The two male love interests Leo (Andy Lau) and Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro) become entangled with lovely female Xiao Mei (Zhang Ziyi). Xiao Mei belongs to the deadly Flying Dagger gang. Wait for the 180-degree turns at the end of the movie. Well scripted to the end, the timing is perfect, scenes outstanding, and action superb.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Great work for Director Yimou Zhang. Thank you to Executive Producer Weiping Zhang and Producer Zook Yhun (English version) for making the film possible. Cast includes: Andy Lau, Zhang Ziyi, Dandan Song.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A great Asian film to see due to its well done presentation.

*Also known as Shi mian mai fu

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers