Sister City Film Series: “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”
In partnership with Tulsa Global Alliance, Circle Cinema hosted the fourth entry in the Sister Cities Film Series on the evening of May 26th 2026. Over 50 patrons came out for a screening of Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000):
In early nineteenth-century China, in the waning years of the Qing dynasty, the renowned swordsman who yearns for enlightenment, Li Mu Bai, decides to give up his legendary Green Destiny sword: the sharp four-hundred-year-old blade of heroes. To mark the end of a blood-stained career, Li entrusts the excellent female warrior, Yu Shu Lien, with the precious weapon to deliver it to Governor Yu; however, once there, an audacious and nimble masked thief manages to steal it. As Shu Lien is hot on the trail of the skilled burglar, unrequited loves; fervent passions; an unconquerable desire for freedom, and bitter loose ends stand in the way.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a critical darling and sparked renewed interest in martial arts epics in the US as it found success at the box office by marking the first time a foreign language film broke $100 million at the US box office. The film is now regarded as a modern classic. The film also won Oscars for Best Cinematography, Best Score, and Best Art Direction alongside 10 total nominations including Best Picture and Director.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a multi-national production between Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and America. Director Ang Lee is Taiwanese, and the film won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar as Taiwan’s official submission.
Attendees had the opportunity to learn about Kaohsiung at our information table with Micah Keyan and Rex Burnett. Once seated filmgoers were treated to a Wuxia film of the highest order, with sweeping visuals that transport you all across Qing era China. A masterful performance by Chow Yung Fat and Michelle Yeoh grounds the film in classical Hong Kong dramatic performance; while newcomer Zhang Ziyi excites as a mysterious daughter of a wealthy official.
We hope that you will join us as we continue this series with our next entry in July or August. See you at the Circle!
- Garrett Gibson, Co-Curator for Sister City Film Series and Tulsa-Zelenograd Sister City Partnership Chair
