This film departs from a common theme found throughout the primary texts of this class thus far – that being a sense of communalism. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon greatly deals with individualism and a sense of freedom. Not only does it deal with a general sense of the individual, it also deeply explores love and the choice of who to love as well as loyalty and betrayal.
The character Jen grew up secretly learning the Wudan style martial art, fantasizing about roaming the country on her own, beating up whoever got in her way, and living however she pleased. In reality, she is the daughter of a nobleman, and is forced to adhere to that lifestyle and commit herself to an arranged marriage.
In an attempt to seek some fun and freedom, she steals the Green Destiny sword, perhaps just for the purpose of owning the magnificent sword, but also perhaps for the thrill. Ironically, she returns it, out of fear of the consequences she will bring to her family and secret master, Jade Fox. She is torn between her two lives. On one hand, she wants the freedom, but on the other, she is held back by her family and master.
Even when Master Li Mu Bai offers to train her, she refuses. If she trained with him, she could become a great fighter and would fulfill her dream, but she would also be giving up her freedom to Mu Bai. She continuously runs away, never wanting to be held back.
Li Mu Bai also lends a great deal to individuality. He is known as the greatest fighter in China, something he achieved through years of discipline and adherence to strict rules. At this point in his life, he discovers that all those years were a waste. His presence in this story is for the sole purpose of reuniting with his love, Shu Lien, and leaving his warrior life behind him.
The final scene, shows Jen jumping from Wudan mountain – a final act of freedom that will set her free from all the bindings of the world.
" This film departs from a common theme found throughout the primary texts of this class thus far – that being a sense of communalism."
ReplyDeleteI feel like "communism" is slowly disappearing in major chinese films. good bye my concubine, to live and this film are all targeted toward the american audience. the first two major films were produced shortly after Gaigekaifang(open door), many of the post modern chinese history were still fresh in people's minds. however, this film was produced in the year of 2000, i can see some correlations here that people are more opened minded toward western ideologies such as love and gender equality.
Just to be clear -- I wrote 'communalism,' not communism.
ReplyDeleteMy point is -- the films we have watched thus far have focused on individuals and their place in their communities or society in general.
This film, in my opinion, focuses mainly on the individuals. Though Jen is part of a noble family and has certain responsibilities, and though Li Mu Bai is part of the Wudan discipline, these 'communities' are in the characters' pasts. The film focuses on the direction that these characters are headed -- away from society.
I agree with Charlie's thoughts on this film moving away from the idea of communalism. It really did focus a lot on the individual and the struggle that each individual had. I think this was prevalent in all 4 of the main characters. Charlie explained the role of individualism in the lives of Li MuBai and Jen. Shu Lien asserts her individualism in the sense that she is not the "typical" chinese woman because she is a fighter. Finally there is Lo who is a barbarian living savage life and just doing his own thing. Overall, well written post!
ReplyDeleteThe final scene's kind of common as the ending. I remembered to watch several times the main character disappears or flies away into the forest at the end. But definitely, in the movie, it represents the freedom that she's always wanted.
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