Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2: Sword of Destiny's debut trailer looks awkward
At least Michelle Yeoh's back in action.
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Your support makes all the difference.The first look at Netflix's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2: Sword of Destiny isn't too promising.
Sure, trepidation's inevitable when a beloved movie gets any sort of belated sequel, yet the news that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon would be returning to screens 15 years after its initial release was at least softened by the knowledge that it had come under the guardianship of Netflix's film production branch. Because Netflix always makes good stuff, right?
Perhaps not, if this trailer's an accurate reflection of what's to come. While it'd be unrealistic to expect a lower-budgeted sequel to match up to all of its former's artistry, it's striking exactly how much a departure this is from the work of director Ang Lee, and cinematographer Peter Pau, on the original Crouching Tiger. It's just not a very good-looking trailer; its desaturated palette riding off the post-Man of Steel universe, a far cry from the lush bamboo forests of the original, and rich darkness of its nighttime courtyard scenes.
And why is it in English, when the Mandarin original was what managed to secure $128 million in the US and the title of the highest-grossing foreign language film in American history? Isn't that just a little insulting to assume fans won't be bothered to read subtitles?
And what exactly is up with that weird robot cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising"?
There might still be hope, however. Though lacking the presence of Chow Yun-fat and Zhang Ziyi for obvious (spoiler-ridden) reasons; the great Michelle Yeoh is back in action, joined by the equally great Donnie Yen and Glee's Harry Shum Jr. Plus, it's directed by Yuen Woo-ping, a big name in martial arts choreography, and partially produced by The Weinstein Company. So it's at least clear this piece has some level of prestige behind it.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny will become available on Netflix and select IMAX theatres on 26 February.
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