Hey folks, Harry here with our look from Singapore and Kolaboy! CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON opened there as well... and now it is time to see how it was accepted in yet a another new place. This time it is only refered to as a MASTERPIECE.... bummer... I was hoping for stronger words....

Hi Harry,

I am writing from the very hot and sweaty island I call Singapore and just wanted to let you know that the above mentioned film opens wide here and in Hong Kong on 6 July. I think you might know that already but anyways, I happened to chance upon a private screening a couple weeks back, which I found out was for the press. There were no sneaks for this film (methinks they dont want to give the VCD pirates a headstart!) so I was really excited when my pal (who knew someone who knew some at the local distributors) got me in. Anyway, about the film...

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is definitely a very different martial arts film. I was actually worried a wee bit when I heard that Ang Lee was going to be directing it. I mean, here is a guy who's fab at filming what I would call 'quiet and reflective' films and here he is, trying his hand at a martial arts pic. Nonetheless, it had Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun Fatt and seeing them onscreen together was enough to get me going.

I wont go into plot details. I'll bet there'll be tons of reviews coming from Asia about it (its not often we get to see films before the US!!) But suffice to say, the film is gorgeous, from the intricate storyline (the way the plot unfolds and delves into all sorts of relationships between the characters is something you hardly find in a martial arts flick) to the action scenes (flying and fighting across a bamboo forest anyone?)and locations (never knew these places existed in China!). As for the actors, I would have to admit that the standout performance is Zhang ZiYi. Its not like Chow and the others werent good, its just that this 20yr old 'little Gong Li' is probably one of the main reasons why the film works so well. Her character is central to the whole development of the film - one who when she is first introduced, seems like this demure young bride about to be forced into an arranged marraige and later as the film progresses, you realise the complexity of her character and how everyone else's fate is intertwined with her and "the green destiny".

If you are really into HK Martial Arts films and you go in expecting that kind of Martial arts film (ie mainly fantastic action sequences, but not much plot), then I think you will be sorely disappointed. This film builds slowly and is very evenly paced to draw you into its world and lets you breathe the soul of the characters.And thats why its different from the genre, a romantic hybrid which as I write about it now, leaves me longing to go back into the cinema (thank god its on wide release from today!) to experience everything again.

Ang Lee has crafted a very romantic martial arts film, and very much also from a female perspective. The women in the film have the power. Their unspoken actions and most of the fight sequences involve the female characters and it is more so their development by the end of the film that makes this film special and a masterpiece.

Best regards,

Kolaboy