Director Ang Lees return to Chinese cinema is an action packed and critically acclaimed epic tale of ancient China.
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is so many things: an historical epic on a grand scale, an Asian martial-arts flick with both great effects and fantastic fighting (choreographed by The Matrix's guru Yuen Wo Ping), a story of magic, revenge and power played with a posse of star-crossed lovers thrown in for good measure. Set during the Qing dynasty (the late 19th century), the film follows the fortunes of righteous warriors Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien (Asian superstars Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh, respectively) whose love for one another has lain too long unspoken. When Li Mu Bai's legendary sword Green Destiny is stolen by wilful aristocrat's daughter Jen (exquisite newcomer Zhang Ziyi), who has been trained in the way of the gangster by Li Mu Bai's arch-rival Jade Fox, the warriors must fight to recover the mystical blade. The plot takes us all across China, from dens of iniquity and sumptuous palaces to the stark plains of the Western desert. Characters chase each other up walls and across roof and treetops to breathtaking effect, and Tan Dun's haunting, Oscar-winning East-West inflected score. Directed by Taiwanese-born Ang Lee and co-written by his longtime collaborator American James Schamus, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon joins the ranks of the team's slate of high-quality, genre-spanning literary adaptations. Although it superficially seems like a return to Ang's Asian roots, there's a clear throughline connecting this with their earlier, Western films given the thematic focus on propriety and family honour (Sense and Sensibility), repressed emotions (The Ice Storm) and divided loyalties in a time of war (Ride with the Devil). Nonetheless, a film this good needs no prior acquaintance with the director's oeuvre; it stands on its own. The only people who might be dismissive of it are jaded chop-socky fans who will probably feel bored with all the romance. Everyone else will love it. --Leslie Felperin On the DVD: As might be expected this superb anamorphic widescreen version of the original 2.35:1 theatrical ratio presents Peter Pau's spellbinding cinematography in its full glory; the same goes for the Dolby 5.1 audio track that showcases Tan Dun's haunting score. Annoyingly, however, the default language option is the dubbed English soundtrack, which means you have to select the original Mandarin version before playing. The extra features are good but not exceptional, with an obligatory "making-of" documentary and commentary from Ang Lee and James Schamus being the best options: the director and producer/cowriter chat amiably and in some detail about their martial arts version of Sense and Sensibility. But it's the breathtaking delight of the seeing the movie in such quality that really counts, and this disc does not disappoint. --Mark Walker
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is so many things: a historical epic on a grand scale, an Asian martial-arts flick with both great effects and fantastic fighting (choreographed by The Matrix's guru Yuen Woo Ping) and a story of magic, revenge and power played with a posse of star-crossed lovers thrown in for good measure. Set during the Qing dynasty (the late 19th century), the film follows the fortunes of righteous warriors Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien (Asian superstars Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh, respectively) whose love for one another has lain too long unspoken. When Li Mu Bai's legendary sword Green Destiny is stolen by wilful aristocrat's daughter Jen (exquisite newcomer Zhang Ziyi), who has been trained in the way of the gangster by Li Mu Bai's arch-rival Jade Fox, the warriors must fight to recover the mystical blade. The plot takes us all across China from dens of iniquity and sumptuous palaces to the stark plains of the Western desert. Characters chase each other up walls and across roof and treetops to breathtaking effect and to Tan Dun's haunting, Oscar-winning East-West inflected score.Directed by Taiwanese-born Ang Lee and cowritten by his long time collaborator American James Schamus, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon joins the ranks of the team's slate of high-quality, genre-spanning literary adaptations. Although it superficially seems like a return to Ang's Asian roots, there's a clear thread connecting this with their earlier Western films, given the thematic focus on propriety and family honour (Sense and Sensibility), repressed emotions (The Ice Storm) and divided loyalties in a time of war (Ride with the Devil). Nonetheless, a film this good needs no prior acquaintance with the director's oeuvre; it stands on its own. The only people who might be dismissive of it are jaded chop-socky fans who will probably feel bored with all the romance. Everyone else will love it. --Leslie Felperin
Named Best Picture of the Year by over 100 critics nationwide! Two master warriors (Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh) are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Destiny sword is stolen. A young aristocrat (Ziyi Zhang) prepares for an arranged marriage, but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic past. As each warrior battles for justice, they come face to face with their worst enemy - and the inescapable, enduring power of love. Set against 19th-century China's breathtaking landscape, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the action-packed, box office smash from acclaimed director Ang Lee (Life of Pi, Sense and Sensibility) featuring stunning martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo Ping (The Matrix).
Rush Hour: Two cops from very different worlds must learn to trust each other before they can win a high-stakes battle against a ruthless enemy who threatens to demolish the fragile peace between their countries. The fastest hands in the east meets the loudest mouth in the west! Rush Hour 2: Chopsocky action star Jackie Chan reteams with motormouth Chris Tucker in this 'Rush Hour' sequel as the mismatched cop duo investigate several bombings in Hong Kong attributed
It is 859AD; the Tang Dynasty at its height one of the most enlightened empires in Chinese history is in decline. The Emperor is incompetent and the government is corrupt. Unrest is spreading throughout the land and many rebel armies are forming in protest. The largest and most prestigious is an underground alliance called the House of Flying Daggers. The House of Flying Daggers operates mysteriously stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Thus they have earned the support
One man will challenge an empire... In pre-Imperial China feared warrior Nameless (Jet Li) is granted an audience with the ruler of the most powerful of the seven warring kingdoms (Chen Daoming). Posing as a minor official Nameless sets about his mission of revenge by relating the tale of how he defeated the three most fearsome of the ruler's adversaries. However nothing is as it seems and Nameless is placed in great personal peril as the king suggests a very different version of events which brought him to the palace... Filled with breathtaking wirework-enhanced martial arts sequences from action choreographer Ching Siu-Tung ('New Dragon Gate Inn' 'A Chinese Ghost Story') truly sumptuous cinematography from the legendary Christopher Doyle ('In The Mood For Love') and an expressive traditional score from Tan Dun ('Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon') Zhang Yimou's elegant epic features an intriguing 'Rashomon' style flashback structure that will keep the audience guessing until the very end. The most expensive movie ever made in China and a blockbuster upon its' theatrical release in the U.S. 'Hero' showcases the outstanding talents ofa multi-award winning cast including the pairing of Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung as star crossed lovers the coquettish Zhang Ziyi ('Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon') as a feisty apprentice venerated Chen Daoming lending gravitas as the Emperor-in-waiting and real-life martial arts masters Donnie Yen and Jet Li who co-designed perhaps the greatest duel ever committed to celluloid. Nominated for both an Oscar and a BAFTA 'Hero' is an exceptional example of Asian cinema and really is one of the best looking films ever made. - The Guardian.
In 14th century China shortly after the Ming Dynasty seized power a Ming envoy to Korea was murdered leading to soured relations between the two countries. In efforts to mend ties Korea sent numerous envoys to China: one such group are arrested and sent into exile. Off in the wilderness they manage to rescue a Ming princess and hope that if they can return her to the Ming safely their honour and good relations between the two countries will be restored... Five years of planning and pre-production and a dedicated production staff of over 300 men and women The Warrior is possibly the biggest motion-picture event in Korean Cinema history. Featuring leading-roles for current `it girl' Zhang Ziyi and Iron Monkey's Yu Rong-kwong The Warrior is a compelling and often evocative tale of courage love and sacrifice.
Chinese superstar Zhang Ziyi (Memoirs Of A Geisha) stars in the latest film from master film maker Seijun Suzuki; a magical musical adaptation of a well known Japanese folktale. Ziyi stars as Tanuki-hime a raccoon spirit princess who falls in love with Amechiyo (Jo Odagiri) a human prince banished from his father's kingdom. With numbers ranging in style from Kabuki to operetta to rock 'n' roll and designs to set the imagination on fire Suzuki's dream project is one of the year's most vibrant entertainments. An extravaganza of sight sound music and romance that will amaze the senses and delight the heart.
The images of Asif Kapadia's first feature film, The Warrior, sear themselves in the mind: the warrior practising with his sword in front of a half-alive tree, or a close-up of a scorpion scuttling across the desert as a camel cart goes by. Restrained beauty pervades the film in the choice of locations, costumes and the framing of each shot, but those unaccustomed to art cinema will feel the absence of story in this visual, mystical odyssey which uses few words, as looks and images carry the film. Irfan Khan brings a quiet, powerful presence of haunting intensity to the role an Indian "samurai", seemingly a homage to Kurosawa. The warrior has an epiphany after a bloodthirsty encounter that leads him to abandon his life in the desert and head for the pure snows of the Himalayas. This film (that repays repeat viewing and introduces major new talent) is likely to become a landmark. On the DVD: The Warrior's picture quality on disc does justice to the film and the extras are rewarding. The young director is sincere and reflective, as shown in his scene-by-scene commentary and on the deleted material, the latter lasting over an hour. The making of documentary is absorbing. --Rachel Dwyer
House Of Flying Daggers (Dir. Zhang Yimou 2004) It is 859AD; the Tang Dynasty at its height one of the most enlightened empires in Chinese history is in decline. The Emperor is incompetent and the government is corrupt. Unrest is spreading throughout the land and many rebel armies are forming in protest. The largest and most prestigious is an underground alliance called the House of Flying Daggers. The House of Flying Daggers operates mysteriously stealing from the rich
A spectacular martial arts epic featuring career-topping action from the legendary Yuen Wo Ping ('Kill Bill', 'The Matrix' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon') and starring Zhang Ziyi ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon").
Director Zhang Yimou brings the sumptuous visual style of his previous films (Raise the Red Lantern, Shanghai Triad) to the high-kicking kung fu genre. A nameless warrior (Jet Li, Romeo Must Die, Once Upon a Time in China) arrives at an emperor's palace with three weapons, each belonging to a famous assassin who had sworn to kill the emperor. As the nameless man spins out his story--and the emperor presents his own interpretation of what might really have happened--each episode is drenched in red, blue, white or another dominant color. Hero combines sweeping cinematography and superb performances from the cream of the Hong Kong cinema (Maggie Cheung, Irma Vep, Comrades: Almost a Love Story; Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, In the Mood for Love, Hard Boiled; and Zhang Ziyi, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). The result is stunning, a dazzling action movie with an emotional richness that deepens with every step. --Bret Fetzer
Unleashed: Serve no master. Written and produced by Luc Besson and directed by Louis Leterrier Unleashed features a fantastic performance from martial arts superstar Jet Li. On and beneath the mean streets of Glasgow fiery gangster Bart (Hoskins) is merciless with debtors would-be rivals and anyone else he takes a passing dislike to. Bart maintains his stranglehold through his unwitting enforcer Danny (Jet Li) who he has 'raised' since boyhood. Danny has been kept as a near-prisoner: trained to attack and if necessary kill. Danny knows little of life except the brutal existence that Bart has so cruelly fashioned for him. However when Danny has a chance encounter with the sightless piano tuner Sam (Morgan Freeman) he senses true kindness and compassion for the first time and experiences the transforming power of music. When a sudden gangland coup separates Danny from Bart and the gang Danny escapes the underworld. Taking refuge with Sam and his stepdaughter Victoria (Kerry Condon) Danny finds a family of sorts and a future... However the mob will not give up their prize asset so easily and Danny must soon call upon his skills once more to protect his family and bury his past. (Dir. Louis Leterrier 2005) Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon: Amazing martial arts fighting sequences (choreographed by Yuen wo Ping - The Matrix) stunning special effects action adventure and romance have made Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon the most talked about movie of the year. Martial arts masters Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat) and Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) battle against evil forces to recover their stolen sword the legendary Green Destiny. (Dir. Ang Lee 2000) Kung Fu Hustle: From walking disaster to Kung Fu master: it's a new comedy unlike anything you have seen before! In the 1940's Chinese province of Guangdong petty thief Sing (Stephen Chow) aspires to become a member of the notorious Axe gang the fiercest cruel and most widespread crime syndicate in the city. However Sing is just a street rascal (trying to ignore the fact that his heart is actually in the right place) and so he ventures into the run-down Pig Sty Alley to prove his worth. However in attempting to extort money from the hairdresser Sing unwittingly exposes the plump landlady her hen-pecked husband the camp tailor and rugged coolie as martial arts masters in hiding. Coming to the attention of the Axe gang who want to clear out the apartments Sing's actions have set off a relentless chain of events that brings the clans together in an explosive battle! Stephen Chow continues his unique comedy style that first came to the attention of the West in Shaolin Soccer mixing slapstick in the finest tradition of Buster Keaton; to marvellous martial arts choreographed by none other than Yuen Woo-ping (The Matrix Kill Bill); to dance sequences with tuxedoed gangsters; to moments of genuine pathos concerning Sing's mysterious history involving a beautiful mute lollipop vendor... (Dir. Stephen Chow 2004)
A superb four disc digipack package with more than 14 hours of entertainment! The Warrior Box Set features two of Asia's most successful films - Bichunmoo and The Warrior. Together they make The Warrior Box Set a stunning mix of evocative action sweeping epic sequences and unforgettable dramatic content. Bichunmoo At the end of the Yuan Dynasty when Mongolia was ruling all of the Chinese continent the Mongolians the Hans and the Koryo (ancient Korean) migrants were going
City Of God (2002): Youth gangs took over the slums of Rio de Janeiro during the 1960s and didn't relinquish their stronghold until the mid-1980s. Only a sucker wouldn't have turned to crime and this is exactly how naive teen Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues) views himself. His attempts in illegal activity fail as he finds potential victims too friendly. Equally unsuccessful in love he regularly fails to lose his virginity. Blood spills throughout the streets of the Cidade de Deus as gang leader Li'l Ze (Douglas Silva) is challenged by local druglords and a gang of pre-teens known as the Runts. Nominated for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2004 Oscars. (Dir. Fernando Meirelles Cert. 18) Hero (2004): One man will challenge an empire... In pre-Imperial China feared warrior Nameless (Jet Li) is granted an audience with the ruler of the most powerful of the seven warring kingdoms (Chen Daoming). Posing as a minor official Nameless sets about his mission of revenge by relating the tale of how he defeated the three most fearsome of the ruler's adversaries. However nothing is as it seems and Nameless is placed in great personal peril as the king suggests a very different version of events which brought him to the palace... Filled with breathtaking wirework-enhanced martial arts sequences from action choreographer Ching Siu-Tung ('New Dragon Gate Inn' 'A Chinese Ghost Story') truly sumptuous cinematography from the legendary Christopher Doyle ('In The Mood For Love') and an expressive traditional score from Tan Dun ('Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon') Zhang Yimou's elegant epic features an intriguing 'Rashomon' style flashback structure that will keep the audience guessing until the very end. The most expensive movie ever made in China and a blockbuster upon its' theatrical release in the U.S. 'Hero' showcases the outstanding talents ofa multi-award winning cast including the pairing of Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung as star crossed lovers the coquettish Zhang Ziyi ('Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon') as a feisty apprentice venerated Chen Daoming lending gravitas as the Emperor-in-waiting and real-life martial arts masters Donnie Yen and Jet Li who co-designed perhaps the greatest duel ever committed to celluloid. Nominated for both an Oscar and a BAFTA 'Hero' is an exceptional example of Asian cinema and ""really is one of the best looking films ever made."" - The Guardian
Arthur Golden's blockbuster bestseller Memoirs Of A Geisha has been brilliantly brought to the big screen by Oscar-nominated director Rob Marshall. The film opens in a remote Japanese fishing village in 1929 where two sisters Chiyo and Satsu are sold by their troubled father to people who place Chiyo in a classy geisha house known as an okiya in Gion and Satsu in a much more vulgar and dangerous district. Chiyo becomes a maid to Hatsumomo a cold controlling and calculating geisha who is instantly jealous of Chiyo's unusual beautiful eyes and childish innocence. Chiyo is befriended by Pumpkin another maid at the okiya but the two are soon driven apart. Chiyo is shown compassion by the Chairman and another more successful geisha Mameha who takes her under her wing as her little sister furthering the battle between Chiyo now called Sayuri and Hatsumomo. As Sayuri is trained in the art of being a geisha learning how to walk talk dance and serve (up to a point) in order to please and honor her distinguished male clients World War II looms on the horizon threatening to upend Japan and its old ways. Memoirs Of A Geisha is a lush sweeping historical and romantic Oscar-winning epic featuring gorgeous period costumes - primarily the exquisite kimono worn by the geisha. Featuring a fantastic cast of Ziyi Zhang (in her first English speaking role) Michelle Yeoh Ken Watanabe and Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa with an enchanting score from John Williams. Winner of 3 Oscars for Best Costume Design Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography.
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