Crouching tiger, hidden dragon by Ang Lee - Movie Review Example

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Ang Lee Chinese films are well-known for the inculcation of martial arts within cinematography. Still, importance given to martial arts does not hinder the directors from making use of their personal freedom. To be specific, some Chinese directors choose martial arts as the main theme and try to unveil the secrets behind human relationships. Thesis statement: The director (Ang Lee) makes use of the main characters in the movie named as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to unearth feminine capability and the role of revenge in human life.

Plot summary: The film’s plot is related to the possession of a sword, named as Green Destiny. The protagonist (Li Mu Bai) is a swordsman and the female protagonist (Yu Shu Lien) is female warrior. Both of them travels to Beijing to gift the sword to another person, named as Sir Te. Eventually, they meet female antagonist (Jade Fox), the mastermind behind the protagonist’s mater’s murder. The female antagonist and another female character, named as Jen, steal the sword. But, the protagonist recovers his sword and kills the female antagonist, but he succumbs to death.

In the end, the Jen commits suicide because she realizes the differences between imagination and actuality. ReviewThis section is further divided into: portrayal of femininity in the film and role of revenge in human life.Portrayal of femininity in the film In the film, the female characters never face marginalization because they are portrayed as the embodiment of courage, dedication, and self-confidence. Kin-Yan Szeto states that, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon embodies a cosmopolitical perspective of the feminine that is inspired by both Taoism and feminism” (63).

To be specific, the female protagonist decides to help her friend because courage is inherent in her character. On the other side, Jen helps her governess/trainer in critical situations and follows her own lover. This proves her dedication to martial arts and love. On the other side, the female antagonist murders the protagonist’s master and tries to grab the sword. She was attacked by the protagonist and his female friend, but she does not give up. This proves that she is confident in her abilities as a martial arts trainer.

In short, the director makes use of the female characters to uphold and unmask the element of vigor in them. Role of revenge in human life The main characters in the film (say, the protagonist, female protagonist and the female antagonist) consider that revenge is utmost important in human life. Alex Caldon makes clear that, “The title describes one facet of the Taoist way of life-the Taoist master will crouch like a tiger, in order to maintain the strength of a dragon” (101). One can see that the protagonist decides to retire from his career as a swordsman.

When his master was murdered, he decides to change his mind and revenge becomes his ultimate aim. The female protagonist does not have any special interest in revenge, but her love towards the protagonist forces her to get involved in the revenge. On the other side, the female antagonist is the embodiment of revenge because she murders the protagonist’s master. Besides, the female antagonist decides to attack her own trainee because she suspects her. So, the director depends upon female characters to share his unique views on the role of vengeance in human life.

Personal opinion: I consider that this film unveils the relationship between enmity and revenge. I like this film because the director does not hinder the free flow of human emotionality. For instance, almost all the main characters never try to cover up their emotions, but freely involve in relationships. In addition, the parallel themes in the film, i.e., love affair between main characters, uplift the film beyond a common martial arts film. Summing, the director does not try to marginalize the female characters, but projects them as main characters with valor, devotion, and self-confidence.

This is utmost important because womenfolk face marginalization in the modern society. The director shares his views on the role of revenge in human life, but does not neglect the scope of emotionality (say, love) in human life. In short, the director does not try to exaggerate his characters, but helps the viewers to view them from a different perspective. Works CitedCaldon, Alex. The Quest for Truth. Coventry: Alex Caldon, 2007. Print.Szeto, Kin-Yan. The Martial Arts Cinema of the Chinese Diaspora: Ang Lee, John Woo, and Jackie Chan in Hollywood. U.S.

: SIU Press, 2011. Print.