An Analysis of the Uniquely Chinese Oriental Aesthetic in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Abstract

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, as a martial arts film, is filled with a variety of summaries and expressions of Eastern aesthetics, the origins of which are closely linked to Taoist thought. This emphasis on the spirit of cessation, seclusion and compassion forms the backbone of the film, while the writing of rebellion, resistance and domestication fills the flesh and blood of the film. In this film, Ang Lee attempts to deconstruct traditional oriental aesthetics and then reorganise them, resulting in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a film with a twisted story and vivid, subtle images that carries a classical artistic aesthetic while incorporating modern thinking, which is worthy of a glimpse with an oriental perspective.