Lee, Ang

(Li, An)

b. 1954, Taipei

Film director/producer

Born in Taiwan, Ang Lee moved to the United States to study in 1978. He is the best-known Chinese filmmaker in the world, working in both Asia and America. His films have won numerous international and local awards, beginning with Dim Lake (1983) and Fine Line (1985). His feature films are: Pushing Hands (Tuishou, 1992), The Wedding Banquet (Xiyan, 1993), Eat Drink Man Woman (Yinshi nannu, 1994), Sense and Sensibility (1995), The Ice Storm (1997), Ride with the Devil (1999), Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (Wohu canglong, 2000), which won four Oscars, including best foreign film, and The Hulk (2003).

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is a martial arts extravaganza that features global Chinese stars: Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Zhang Zhen and Zheng Peipei. Adapted from the novels of Wang Dulu (1909–77), it tells the story of the legendary swordsman Li Mubai, whose famous sword, Green Destiny, is stolen by the wayward daughter of a Manchu aristocrat, Xiao Long (Little Dragon). The plot has two strands: retrieving the sword and avenging the murder of Li’s master, and romance between Li and a woman warrior, Xiulian, and between Xiao Long and her outlaw lover, Xiao Hu (Little Tiger). The plot is punctuated by spectacular combat sequences, choreographed by Yuan Woping.

See also: martial arts films

Further reading

Berry, Chris (2003). ‘Wedding Banquet: A Family (Melodrama) Affair’. In idem (ed.), Chinese Films in Focus: 25 New Takes. London: BFI, 183–90.

Chan, Felicia (2003). ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Cultural Migrancy and Translatability’. In Chris Berry (ed.), Chinese Films in Focus: 25 New Takes. London: BFI, 56–64.

Sunshine, Linda (ed.) (2000). Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Portrait of the Ang Lee Film. New York: Newmarket Press.

MARY FARQUHAR