Enter the dragon

The highly anticipated release of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is here, and readers should be running to see it. Beautiful in its storytelling, fight sequences and cinematography, "Crouching Tiger" has something for everyone.\nLong ago in imperial China, Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), a beautiful, highly skilled warrior who never married pursues a masked thief who has stolen the legendary green sword of her warrior friend and only love Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat). Shu Lien and Mu Bai have never married out of respect for Shu Lien's dead fiance, who happened to be Mu Bai's best friend. \nThe sword appears to have been stolen by another woman named Jen (the incredible Zhang Ziyi), a pampered princess looking for excitement in her life. All three are staying at the house of Sir Te, an eminent elder who seeks to protect both camps of his friends, while getting the sword back.\nPart mystery, part romance, the story keeps the viewer enthralled and entranced. But the story can only take the viewer so far. Admittedly, most will see this movie for the martial arts sequences -- and they do not disappoint.\nOne could compare the scenes of incredible martial arts to watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance. The actors make it look effortless. Choreographed by Yuen Woo-Ping, the actors run across water, run up trees and fly in amazing sequences. The breathtaking fights might require the viewer to suspend disbelief, but it is so easy viewers almost believe this is real. \nThe women are truly amazing in this movie, and they easily steal the film. As Jen, Zhang pouts, fights and loves her way to a better understanding of herself and the gift she possesses. Looking for fun, she does not realize the danger she gets herself into. Yeoh is the plain but beautiful Shu Lien. In love with a man she believes she cannot have and driven to give him the one thing he desires, she will do anything to make him happy. Her small gestures of love and devotion do not go unnoticed by director Ang Lee's camera.\nFor his part, Chow Yun-Fat is excellent as a warrior who decides his love is worth more than his skills. His last scene in the movie is the most powerful of the entire film and, speaking as a girl, no female eye will be dry in the house. \nOscar is coming soon, and "Crouching Tiger" should be considered as one of the best films of the year, if not the best. It will make you laugh, cry, gasp and beg for more. Don't wait -- go see this movie.