The fight between Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi is to my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful, exciting and best choreographed sword fight evet put on film.
it has everything, well shot and directed, multiple fighting styles and the whole fight tells a story with in the end experience outsmarting talent and a superior weapon.
it's so good. not only is everything about the fight perfect, the story telling of the master using her skill to bypass her foe's superior weapon and come out on top is brilliant.
Only part where she doesn't is the fight with Ziyi Zhang, since they needed people with a certain amount of skill with all the different weapons, and that would have just taken too long for her to train.
Zhang Ziyi did her own stunts and fighting scenes, too. In fact, in "Memoirs of a Geisha," she and Li Gong did not bother to choreograph their fight that results in the okiya burning because the two of them had acted and fought together so often in other martial arts scenes. They told the stunt team not to worry, "We know what to do." In fact, according to the director, the fact that the lamp was turned over in the fight scene was "a happy accident" that resulted in the writing the fire into the movie when it had not been there before.
This may sound cheesy, and I only know a little bit about the culture, but the idea in the beginning (in hindsight after the movie) of him being ready to actually achieve "enlightenment"/Nirvana, but the one thing preventing it, the thing he couldn't let go of, and kept him tied to the world, was his love for her, is incredibly romantic. I feel like such a sap for saying that out loud, but oh well XD
You’re right on. The death scene, I would walk as a ghost beside you........... we all think about saying the perfect thing a to our wives or lovers, and he just had the ultimate one. Although, that’s some heavy sh!t to drop on a woman as your checking out.
Both "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers" are must watches as well. It's funny now that I think of it, in many ways the three films feel like a trilogy split between 2 directors; they were even released every 2 years starting with this film in 2000, Hero 2002, and Flying Daggers 2004. Anyways point being they are all excellent films and your eyes will definitely thanks us for the suggestion. Look forward to many more reactions to come.
Seconded. Hero is right up there with this film. Flying Daggers doesn't quite reach this God Tier of film making, but its use of colors is breathtaking.
Agreed, Hero is absolutely amazing. House of Flying Daggers on the other hand suffers from its plot twist completely obliterating the logic of the story.
I'm so sorry :) I did not see your comment when I wrote mine. Both of them are amazing. I suggested the same, having really not seen your comment.. I will learn to scroll, I promise.
Hahaha I thought I was the only one. I saw it 3 times in theaters. Once alone and I do mean alone since I was the only person in the theater then I took people to see it later.
"You're not a bad person. You're a terrific person. You're my favorite person. But every once in a while, you can be a real ****.". But seriously Shan, you are really good at this!
Forget "Asian Films". It's one of the best films ever made. The scene where their fighting on the bamboo is one of the most beautiful shots in history.
One reason I love your channel is how articulate your reactions are. You have a lot of great insight I don’t get from others! I appreciate your channel and YOU so much! Thank you!
My favourite movie of all time. As for Jen’s jumping off the mountain, I interpreted it as a way of making amends and also finding freedom. The main theme of this movie is about finding freedom amongst the characters. They are all trapped by society rules and expectations, traditions and beliefs. Jen tried to gain freedom by going against her arranged marriage, ran way from home but also caused the death of a noble warrior and ruined the relationship (though unintentionally) between Shu Lien and Li Mu Bai. Her wish essentially was to find peace and freedom for the wrongs she had done in this life.
Agree with all replies. I love Hero and prefer it to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Story is simpler, but I love how it's based on true events how China was united as one. I also love its narrative structure more and how with each story unfolding you learn more about the characters and their motives. Finally, Tony Leung is criminally underrated as an actor and I love his character Broken Sword, the choices he makes, his wisdom, love for Sky, and finally, his sacrifice.
TBH, I've never tried to attach any significance to Jen leaping into the clouds at the end. The visual poetry of the shot is simply beyond any need for explanation. One of the very few movie scenes that has ever... ever... brought tears to my eyes. If ever humanity could ever bring such magic into this world...
This is one of my favorite films of all time. The characters, the sets, the costuming etc. are all top drawer. The quiet moments between the principle actors are so beautifully acted and the emotions conveyed are subtle and perfect. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
I like this movie very much, but the ending left me hanging. What does it mean? Is it like a 'Final Jeopardy'. He gave a wrong answer and lost her? Maybe his dream wasn't as ambitious as hers? So, she left.
@@urmshippilot4434 I'm no expert, but my take on it was that her reckless actions had led to the death of a legendary hero (like Captain America) who had tried to help her. His beloved also helped her and treated her like a sister and she thanked her with betrayal and grief. She could never follow her dream and be happy with that hanging over her. So she grasped at a straw and hoped her sacrifice might make things right.
I agree with you whole heartedly with one exception and that is for Studio Ghibli movies due to the amazing talent and quality they invest in their English versions.
Actually if you read my comment. #1 I stated an opinion, so starting by saying "No" is not just rude but it also doesn't make any sense. #2 everything I said after stating I make one exception with Ghibli, is accurate. You may dislike the changes they made when doing the English version and I actually do appreciate the information and insights into the differences; but you certainly can't say that they don't get amazing talent and do a quality job. As for the differences between the versions, you'd have to talk to Ghibli and Disney about what prompted the changes. But given how protective they are over their properties, I very much doubt any changes were made without Studio Ghibli's consent and approval.
This is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen....thank you for reacting to it. When I saw this pop up in my alerts, I knew I could trust you to recognize how special this one is. This was only available on DVD when I needed to buy it for my significant other, so I had to buy a DVD player. Crouching Tiger was the first DVD I ever bought. The fight scenes both made you lean forward and feel peace. The rest was so peaceful.....I think of this movie and the word "peaceful" at the same time, as well as the word "beautiful". There are so many scenes that you instinctively know are authentic, and others that make you hope ancient China was this happy. The stunts and cinematography still stand up today, and the music is amazing. YoYo Ma's contributions came at his zenith. Again, thanks for the reaction, you are one of the only reactors I watch until the end because of your intelligent analysis: it is genuine and never feels compelled or that you are forced to do it because that it your format. My compliments, sir.
Michelle Yeoh is a well known as an action star and martial artist from her Hong Kong movie days which is why she was in the movie. Not sure if she is a "martial artist" in truth (she was a model to begin with), but she is a martial artist to the level of Keanu Reeves being a "martial artist". I wouldn't mess with either!
@@bloodnchocolate good point. If I remember rightly, that's why she moved into action roles so she could use the dance training to help with the martial arts.
Well, wushu isn't quite on par with Ju-jutsu, so despite Keanu not exactly being Chuck Norse, he's done training in practical martial arts... other than wushu I have no idea what she's done, but she's done wushu for DECADES. But mostly in a stage capacity.
The movie did not win the Oscar. I feel like too many people did not want a foreign film to win. The Oscar for best picture went to "Gladiator." There was also a lot of push back against the use of "wire-fu" as well, but I just accepted it as a common technique used in martial arts movies. For anyone who likes this style of movie, called wuxia, I also recommend "Hero" with Jet Li.
I found Jen's flying off at the end a kind of dissolution of her character, both in her lover having to let her go (as perhaps she never came to the mountain in reality), and in her letting go of all her poison but also her attachments. It is as if when she witnessed the death of Li Mu Bi and Shu Lien's grief she were transformed at that moment. Though her body was still here, her heart and soul had already flitted off to either nirvana or perhaps in renunciation of martial arts. I too found it exquisitely beautiful, and Ziya Zhang's eyes conveyed so much mystery throughout, particularly at the end.
but she is not flying off at the end, she is jumping to her death and only imagining herself flying off, the shot shows her falling, not flying, and the guy is looking down as she falls.
But we can't know what happens to her and her bf can't see once she drops into the cloud layer. It's a deliberately enigmatic ending which is open to interpretation. Each persons headcanon is their own and they stick to it. Whichever path she could have chosen leaves all the other options unfulfilled. But in many ways, none of them were ever her own choice. The fact that we've already seen her fly, or levitate, or be carried by the wind, suggests she could indeed survive the fall. Did she though? And if so, where did she go next, who did she become? What she did not become is a disciple of a way which she had seen to be a waste of a life. Nor some desert dweller in a dream of a teen romance. Nor simply a trophy wife to further her fathers career. She literally chose her own way and was free as a bird - I don't believe she died but I don't care to picture her wandering without purpose either. If this was an origin story, we would see her become a grown woman, empowered, making her way in the world, fighting or teaching or simply living with honour and perhaps achieving her own kind of personal enlightenment. Whatever, her story would be her own and that is what she is writing as the end credits roll
@@hgwells1899 One interesting thing is that after this enigmatic and open-ended ending we can look back at the story that came before, that sometimes promised to go this way or that way, and we can see that it was always about this moment; A choice, but one of spirit and relationship rather than just plot, ego, accomplishment, and resolution. I love when movies do this.
Shan I am glad you finally saw this but it makes me sad you didn't see this in the theater. My friends and I went and saw it three times on the big screen. In the theater is was awe inspiring. The colors were so bright they almost overwhelmed you.
The choreography was done by the biggest legend of Hong Kong cinema Kung fu choreography: Woo Ping. He also was hired to do The Matrix, and I think Kill Bill also.
Congratulations on your 100th video, Shan. You are definitely the most knowledgeable and conscientious react channel that I watch, your videos are a pleasure to watch, I laugh and cry with you and also I learn something new in almost every reaction you do.
Man, this is in my top 3 favorite movie of ll time. Thank you ! Its pure beauty ! By the way, Ziyi Zhang never had any official martial arts training at all, but she was a trained dancer.
@@patinho5589 I actually wouldn't list Jet Li's Fearless with Hero and Flying Daggers since Fearless is more a biopic; where as Hero and Flying Daggers are far more reminiscent of literary classics. I would compare Crouching Tiger, Hero and Daggers to the tragedies of Shakespeare or Homer's Illiad and Odyssey or the epic tales of classic Greek mythology for a western equivalent. Not that Fearless is bad or anything, it's great just a very different kind of film compared to the others.
Congratulations on the work my friend. Your channel is like butter. The movies you select and the calm excitement you bring to the review, brought and kept me coming back. You deserve all the praise. Godspeed for the rest.
Michelle Yeoh started her acting career in Hong Kong action flics so she's no stranger to doing her own stunts. Also, the fight choreography was done by the legendary Yuen Wo Ping (Fist of Legend, The Matrix, Kill Bill, The Grandmaster) and it's arguably some of his best work. And I agree that Hero and House Of Flying Daggers should be high on your future watch list.
I appreciate your reviews. I can tell you have a true appreciation for well made films. Especially the technical aspects. Crouching Tiger is a masterpiece.
Some people think she leapt to her death at the end. But I like to think she was choosing freedom, rather being tied down. Even though she loved him, one of her main motivations throughout the movie was making her own choices and being free.
A lot of people compare this to "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers" (two films that came out shortly after this one) but in my opinion this is almost beyond compare. It is spellbinding in its understated characterisation, even its fights are expressions of character. The subtlety of the film is already effective, but when that subtlety is broken, when their emotions finally come through their carefully maintained facades, it feels enormously powerful. The actors are phenomenal; being so repressed must be difficult for an actor but they succeed through facial expressions and body language. I'm not one to cry at films but this one got me. Jen's struggle and ultimate failure to overcome herself was, I felt, deeply moving.
None of the main actors spoke Mandarin, IIRC, so to be able to act so well and convey such emotion while speaking a language you don't understand is incredible.
Yeah a somewhat unpopular opinion but I agree with you. Both Hero and House of Flying Daggers are style over substance. They are well made and good looking films, and Hero I think has a better narrative than the other. But they are both kind of empty as well. Also Hero is Chinese state propaganda and has a pretty fucked up moral lesson lol. This film has a lot that those don't. As well as the amazing sublime action and storytelling, it has an emotional core that is 1000 times better than its followers.
It'd be like comparing Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Abyss, & Contact. Same subgenre, different goals. If you're the kind of viewer who prefers emotional arcs then this film will have more substance for you. Avoiding spoilers, Hero's brilliance is in its structure, exploring the various layers of character portrayals such as being shallow, overromanticized, or complex while using such narratives to develop the relationship of two storytellers.
so pleased to see you react to this movie i saw it in the theatre when it came out and i was awestruck by it youve got the best movie reactions on youtube you always give a great analysis
"How could he throw away the sword like that? It means so much to him!" Because his strength is within, while Jen, still young, angry, and half-trained, hasn't learned to let go and be her own strength.
Thank you SO much for watching the subtitled version. They screwed up the dubbing, it's not worth watching. The subs on this version are VASTLY improved from theatrical, too. Beautiful.
Ive watched this movie dozens of times and in those versions they never mentioned Jade Fox being illiterate. Also seeing more scenes in this version. wouldnt mind knowing what its called.
I wondered about the subtitles. I have this on DVD (dating myself a bit there), and I've only watched it with subtitles - I tried to watch the dubbed version once and hated it so much I switched back to subs after a few minutes. But I noticed these were different and, I agree, much better than on my copy.
Absolutely one of my favorite movies ever. It has such incredible depth of character. There isn't another Wuxia movie like it. I think it's based on the third book in a 5-book series, which explains why there is so much backstory.
Well it looks like you watched a version with subtitles changed from the theatrical and original DVD release. Bad luck but the original subtitles are (or were, I haven't looked in a while) hard to come by. I think with the original subtitles you would have enjoyed it even more! Ang Lee has explained that for the original subtitles he "agonised over every word". Then they changed them, and I honestly don't know why. Here's an example of the changes between the versions (spoilers below): Mu Bai's last words with new subtitles: "I've already wasted my whole life. I want to tell you with my remaining strength that I love you. I always have. I'll drift next to you everyday as a ghost just to be with you. Even if I was banished to the darkest place, my love will keep me from being a lonely spirit." Mu Bai's last words in the original: "I've already wasted my whole life. I want to tell you with my last breath I have always loved you. I would rather be a ghost, drifting by your side as a condemned soul than enter heaven without you. Because of your love, I will never be a lonely spirit."
The English language version is quite good. The translations make more sense than the English caption version. The woman who does Zhang Ziyi voice has a beautiful rich voice. Ziyi real voice is a little thin. I put this in my top ten favorite movies of all time. You can watch it many times because there's so much to see. Jen realized she and Lo would never be able to have a successful relationship. She was a governor's daughter and as Lo pointed out her family would never stop looking for her. He was a bandit who loved the desert. She had to remove herself so he could have his wish fulfilled of returning to the desert. She did as the man who sacrificed himself by leaping from the mountain for his family's welfare. That ending really stuck with me for days.
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on 18 May 2000, and was theatrically released in the United States on 8 December. An overwhelming critical and commercial success, won over 40 awards and was nominated for 10 Academy Awards in 2001, including Best Picture, and won Best Foreign Language Film, Best Art Direction, Best Original Score and Best Cinematography, receiving the most nominations ever for a non-English language film at the time, until 2018's tied this record. The film also won four BAFTAs and two Golden Globe Awards, one for Best Foreign Film. Along with its awards success, continues to be hailed as one of the greatest and most influential non-English language films. The film has been praised for its story, direction, cinematography, and martial arts sequences. Budget US$17 million Box office US$213.5 million
Wow, congrats to 100 reviews! You're by far one of the most likable and well spoken/thoughtful movie reactors on RU-vid. To many more and thank you for the thoughts you share with us
Congrats on 15k Shan... I guess I can be one of the few who new your work before you reached the stratosphere. Good content and heartfelt reactions keep us coming back.
Congratulations on 100 videos! It's no mystery to me why your channel is successful. Your commentary is intelligent and insightful, yet it is always clear you are a fan--you love watching good movies. That's what's make it fun to watch with you. And if you end up watching a TV series I'd love to see you react to Firefly. Cheers!
Cheng Pei Pei was a ballet dancer when she got hired for her first martial arts movie. She plays the Jade Fox, got to say this again check her out I. Cone Drink with Me, it is one of the Best Martial Arts movie ever made. Her martial arts in this movie comes after 30 years of doing these types of films.
Chinese surnames come before given names. Chow Yun Fat's surname is "Chow." Zhang Ziyi's surname is "Zhang." Fun fact: Chow Yun Fat is from Hong Kong, so his native dialect is Cantonese. He had to learn Mandarin quickly for this film.
Yes Michelle Yeoh she was Miss Malaysia and was in miss world 1983. She is a classically trained dancer and yeah she does most of her own stunts. She won an Oscar for best actress for this movie.
Absolutely one of my favorite films. Top 3, easy. I recall watching it in the theater and losing my damn mind at it. It's perfect. PERFECT. And thanks for keeping making youtube movies, dude. You make me smile every time I see there's a new reaction out.
This is one of the most beautiful and emotional experiences I've had watching a movie. Ang Lee also did an amazing job with "Brokeback Mountain," another great movie.
I concur with your sentiments! Both movies were snubbed at the Oscar for best picture! Gladiator was a remake of Spartacus. Traffic was a forgettable undeserving flick!
Congrats on your 100th video! She jumps from the bridge because those that do are granted a wish. I imagine her wish was to be with Lo in a way accepted by society and that did not dishonor her family. On the other hand, her wish may have been to be completely free. PS I really appreciate that you watched the subtitles rather than the dubbed version. Thank you.
congrats on 100! I'm a patron because your reviews are so well thought out and precise. I also love your genuine reactions. Keep up the great work. I'll be here for 100 more!
I believe Jen leapt to her death, there being no honorable way to continue living after seeing the destruction caused by her headstrong actions. Having both found, and caused the death of, her true master, Li Mu Bai, Jen followed him in the only way left to her.
yes many people dont get the ending, that she is killing herself. the shot shows her clearly falling, and the guy looking down with tears in his eyes. she is falling and only imagining herself flying off as in the story.
@@michaelfarkas2257 Very much so. It's a very traditional Asian way of looking at things - that your crimes will overwhelm you. It's not a Christian world, where sincere repentance gives the person a path back into the world but one where one's own guilt becomes unendurable and death is a way of atonement. it's hard to understand from a western perspective, but makes sense in terms of another culture's values.
One of my favorite films! As you say, every aspect of it is perfect. And perhaps my favorite single moment is shown in this video at 13:59-it reveals so much in a single moment.
Congratulations on 100 reactions and 15000 subscribers. Your thoughtfulness and honest reactions are the reasons I keep coming back. Today, I'm graduating with MFA in Scenic Design. Maybe one day you'll review a movie I worked on??? Haha! Here's to 100 more! Your internet pal, Adam.
Congratulations on reaching 100 vids and over 15,000 subscribers. You deserve it. I like the way you explain your views and opinions on your reactions. The way you speak with your thoughts, it's interesting in every reaction I have watched. I love this film. Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi became my first favorite Asian/Chinese actors when I first watched this at the age of 12. I recommend seeing "House of Flying Daggers" with Zhang Ziyi, "Hero" with Jet Li, and 2008 "Ip Man" with Donnie Yen. 2016 "The Great Wall" with Matt Damon is a good movie, maybe not great, but still interesting to watch.
One of my favorite films! Congrats on an awesome milestone! Your channel is doing well because your love and passion for film,stories and music really shine through...and also you seem like a cool dude!👍
I’m loving you’re reactions and reviews. You often point out things or perspectives in movies that I had never realized. I joined your patreon and look forward to seeing your full length reactions.
As a chef of 30 years I highly recommend Ang Lee's film Eat Drink Man Woman. The choreography in his homemade kitchen is incredible. Two other Ang Lee films that I also enjoyed were Life of Pi and Hulk
Amid all of the best performances, Zhang Ziyi stands out. She’s beautiful, but her eyes have a unique intensity. This came out right after the first Star Wars prequel and the fight choreography on this puts Star Wars to shame. Lucas needed this choreography in the prequels. I haven’t seen such intense green colors in a movie, except in the Quiet Man that was filmed in Ireland around 1951 In technicolor.
Congratulations. Excellent choice for a 100th video. Ang Lee directed this Oscar winning fillm. It is really based on Sense and Sensibility, which he previously directed with Emma Thompson and if I remember correctly Kate Winslet, ,Alan Cummings, Hugh Grant snd Alan Rickman. Check that out it is Ang Lee's other best film. If you want to start a martial arts marathon do Come Drink with Me (the star of that one is Cheng Pei Pei, hope I got the spelling right who also appears in this film as the villain, she is a legend of 60s martial arts movies )
Congratulations on your 100th review! This genre of film is called Wuxia, think of it as the Chinese equivalent to fantasy hero epics like Lord of the Rings. Other films in this genre I recommend are Hero (2002), House of Flying Daggers (2004) and The Banquet aka Legend Of The Black Scorpion (2006). Funny enough all three have Zhang Ziyi in them in ether a supporting or staring role. Also if you want to see Zhang Ziyi and Michelle Yeoh together again I also recommend Memoirs of a Geisha, it's not marshal arts but it is a beautiful film.
Sense and Sensibility for sure. Ang Lee has other great movies but they aren't that popular so probably not worth watching too soon, but The Ice Storm, Eat Drink Man Woman, Lust Caution, and the Wedding Banquet are all great.
For me the reason why she choose to fly to clouds was to fulfill his which. He will return to the desert and will be there, like a wind, in his heart with her. The way she did so is very significant because she did so so unselfishly. This is big theme of the movie. That was Li Mu Bai talk about that she can became poisonous dragon. So she at the end took her responsibilities. Basically we can say that she was at that moment accomplished or shine.
The women of CTHD are legendary in their own rights. Both Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi were former dancers to which they utilized in their moves for the fights. Yeoh has been a Hong Kong action star since the mid-80s and Ziyi like her character Jen, she is a quick study and made several more martial arts film including House of Flying Dagger and Hero (if you think CTHD is beautiful Asian film-you need to see Hero), both directed by Zhang Yimou. As for Jade Fox, as portrayed by Cheng Pei-Pei, who had her start in the 1966 King Hu wuxia film Come Drink with Me. It is widely considered one of the best Hong Kong films ever made.
Ang Lee got his education in the US. In film school he worked with Spike Lee. He is able in his "Asian" films -- see as example "Eat Drink Man Woman" -- to show East meeting West.
I am new subscriber who really enjoys your reaction and analysis of films. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon was the first foreign language film to earn over $100 mil in the US. Ang Lee also won the DGA award for directing this film. If you are looking for another Asian action film to react to I would recommend "Iron Monkey". It is more comedic in tone but has good stunts, action and wire work. An enjoyable entertaining film.
I always enjoy seeing how sharp your observations are. I have to see films many many times in order to break things down...i dont even know how many times ive seen this one at this point.
Ang Lee is a marvelous and versatile director. I do heartily recommend his "Sense and Sensibility", which is a charming and sharp collaboration with actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson. It features a matchless cast: young Kate Winslet in an early role; Alan Rickman; Thompson herself; Hugh Grant; and a treasure trove of supporting roles. We saw it in theaters when it first came out, and it was the movie that made me fall in love with Rickman. There's a book about the making of the movie, written by Thompson, which is wonderful to read. At the start of the production, Lee suggested all the actors write a letter in the mode of the character they were playing. Thompson published one of the letter written by Imogen Stubbs, and it's so lively, snarky and in character, it was a cinch this production would have no trouble with comprehension. When Emma Thompson won the Oscar for best adapted screenplay, she said that before coming over, she stopped by Jane Austen's grave "to pay my respects, and to tell her about the grosses." Highly recommend this particular adaptation.
