A chance to revisit a film I loved on first release, with a live orchestral accompaniment, in the glorious setting of the Royal Albert Hall?
Ang Lee’s wuxia/wire fu classic, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Tiger, was released 25 years ago. With an original score by Tan Dun that won an Oscar, and with the actors performing their lines in Mandarin (albeit in a variety of accents), this film was a special blend of love story, martial arts, and destiny.
At this screening, Tan’s score was performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, with cello soloist Richard Harwood and pípá soloist Cheng Yu. The conductor was Anthony Gabriele, celebrated for his work conducting for screenings, operas, musicals, and concerts.
The film
Although I have seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on the big screen before, it has been a long time, and there have been numerous advances in digital film production.
Ang Lee’s vision was for magical realism in ancient China, and so his warriors demonstrate superhero feats in their battles, including long leaps, flying, and in-air fights. The wire work that made these stunts look real was removed on a computer after shooting was completed.
The plot is female-led, as Yu Shu-Lien (Michelle Yeoh), machete warrior, has to reckon with thief and potential ‘poison dragon’ Jen Yu (Zhang Ziyi) when the latter steals the legendary sword known as Green Destiny.
Keeper of the sword, Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat), seeks to avenge the murder of his Wudan Master at the hands of the dangerous Jade Fox (Cheng Pei-pei).
But it isn’t all action. Mu Bai and Shu-Lien have an unspoken bond of love between them, and Jen has a backstory with young bandit Lo (Chang Chen).
It’s also very funny in places, which I had forgotten.
The orchestra
Cello, pípá, percussion all have a chance to shine in this score, and the soloists rise to the challenge. After the first drum-heavy fight sequence the audience burst into applause (I’d like to think for the skill demonstrated on both screen and stage).
Gabriele clearly has a close affinity with the requirements of a film score, and Tan’s work with its 13 sections and many solo cello passages is both epic and intimate, as befits the story. There was even an entracte piece before the second half of the film commenced.
The sound from centre stall seats was sharp and clear, although my companion was so engrossed in the film he said he forgot the orchestra were there. I appreciated the technical timing and work that went into presenting this ‘Film in Concert’ as we had a good view of the monitors keeping it all moving.
The experience
My experience with live music accompanying films has been mostly restricted to silent films at film festivals or the Barbican Silents programme.
I had seen 2001: A Space Odyssey with the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall (2011) but that is a very different venue. The Royal Albert Hall is known for its spectacular setting, which didn’t disappoint for a second.
I’m giving this four stars. Highly recommended for cinephiles.
Other Films in Concert this season:
Gladiator 26-27 Apr
RRR 11 May
Top Gun: Maverick 26 May
Back to the Future 26 Oct
How To Train Your Dragon 2 Nov