An Oscar-winner for Best Foreign Language Film and the highest-grossing foreign language film in U.S. history, Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is both an homage to Hong Kong martial arts fantasies and a major reworking of the genre. Like Wong Kar-wai's Ashes of Time, it combines exciting fight sequences with a philosophical, character-driven story that is unusually somber for a martial arts film. Hong Kong superstars Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh play veteran warriors out to recover a magical sword from a mysterious newcomer (Zhang Zi Yi), while also fighting off old foe Jade Fox. With the aid of renowned director and action choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, Lee presents wall-climbing and flying sequences in a truly elegant fashion. For all its action movie conventions, it is ultimately a work of visual beauty and intimate emotions. Tan Dun's Oscar-winning musical score features lovely cello solos by Yo-Yo Ma. In Mandarin with English subtitles.                         Ang Lee---Taiwan/Hong Kong/USA---2000---120 mins.