Combining an amazing blend of martial arts, crime, drama, and romance (to name a few), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is an amalgam of many genres, blended seamlessly into one of the best films of the year.

A martial arts epic to the extreme, this film is a sweeping epic set in early 19th century China. Crouching Tiger stars martial arts expert Chow Yun-Fat as Li Mu Bai, a samurai warrior who has decided to set aside his ways of violence for peace. But when his nemesis, the Jade Fox (Cheng Pei-pei) - the murderer of his master - resurfaces in Peking, he must once again, with the help of his long time love Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) and his 400 year old sword, the Green Destiny, return to a life of the warrior.

While Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon will most likely be grouped into the genre of Martial Arts film, it would be best suited for it's own genre, for the film is so magnificent in scope and beauty that it's downright impossible to classify simply as martial arts. Director Ang Lee along with cinematographer Peter Pau and martial arts director Yuen Wo-Ping (The Matrix) are able to create a world in and of itself, where walls and rooftops serve as trampolines, rather than inconveniences as Wudan experts jump easily from one to another building. A world where the main focus is not the martial arts, but the beauty behind these arts combined with a hint of romance and intrigue. A world where all rules are thrown out the door and all physical barriers are torn down.

It's no surprise that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon has been praised by critics, even being named film of the year by the Los Angels Film Critics - not simply best foreign film, but best overall film. It's also not surprising that Crouching Tiger has been a huge success at the box office, making over $1 million on only 31 screens this past weekend (December 15-17) - over $34,000 per screen. It's not a surprise, because, quite simply, Crouching Tiger deserves the praise. On top of the superior cinematography and direction, Crouching Tiger features flawless acting. Chow Yun-Fat (Anna and the King) plays a distraught samurai yearning for a peaceful life, but relegated to avenging his master's death. Likewise, Michelle Yeoh (Tomorrow Never Dies) is superb in her performance as she tries to fulfill her obligation to protect the stolen sword, and at the same time, not disgrace the ruling family's reputation. Supporting actors similarly turn in top-notch performances, especially Zhang Ziyi as Jen, the daughter to the governor of Beijing, who must choose between the right and wrong paths, but is strong enough in herself to follow her own path.

It would most likely be the understatement of the year to call Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon a good film. While I won't go as far as to call it the best of the year, it is no doubt in the top 3. Ang Lee takes martial arts to a new level and seamlessly blends in drama, intrigue, and romance to form an epic film that has been much needed in American theaters this year. No doubt Crouching Tiger will be a hit for years, if not decades to come - as it has already gained a massive following which, as released across the country, will grow exponentially. Lee has defined his own genre, and future directors will be hard pressed to have their film fit within this most spectacular category.

Genres: Action, Drama, Romance, Martial Arts
Rated: PG-13 - For martial arts violence and some sexuality.
Runtime: 120 minutes
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