Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

There's a special kind of film that never loses its sparkle, no matter how many years fly by. Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is that kind of gem. I recently caught it again at Metrograph in Manhattan, and it's still magical, in every sense of the word.

From the opening scene, the film whisks you away to a place where gravity is a suggestion; and martial arts, deceit, and honor interplay like poetry, music and dance.

What's truly amazing is how fresh it feels. Even though it's been almost twenty years since it first hit theaters, the movie's beauty and story are just as captivating. The stunning scenery, the jaw-dropping fights, and the characters' emotions—they all feel novel, no matter when or where you're watching.

Seeing "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" at Metrograph reminded me how much it's influenced movies since. Plenty of films have tried to copy its style, but none quite recreate its assurity. The style is over the top; undiluted but still elegant.

This movie isn't just good—it's a masterpiece. It stands out from the crowd, and watching it again on the big screen is a treat for any movie fan.

-NHC