Opened: December 8, 2000

Directed by: Ang Lee

Starring: Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, Lang Sihung, Chang Pei-pei, Li Fazeng, Wang Deming, Li Li, Hai Yan, Gao Xi’an, Huang Suying, Zhang JinTing, Du ZhenXi, Li Kai, Feng Jianhua, Ma Zhongxuan, Lia Bao-Cheng & Yang Yongde

With a story that’s just as gripping as the action onscreen, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon gives audiences a look at Chinese culture on a grander scale.

Wudang swordsman Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-fat) is retiring and asks his friend Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) to deliver his 400-year-old sword to Sir Te (Lang Shiung). Shu Lien meets Jen (Zhang Ziyi) who has secretly trained under the infamous Jade Fox (Cheng Pei-pei).

The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed with moves that defy gravity. The martial arts keep you on edge as the fighters all have similar strength that allows for intense matches.

However, the love stories between Mu Bai and Shu Lien as well as Jen and Dark Cloud (Chang Chen) provide a strong emotional core that continue to move the story along.

Final say: A visual spectacle. ★★★★★