Here is my entry for our Fight Clip Club assignment. (Shh, keep it in the club!)
I chose a scene from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
In case you get a bit too impatient here is a link to the video:
However, If you are patient enough you will catch the embedded video towards the end. (Yay!)
Scene: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Actors: Michelle Yeoh vs. Zhang Ziyi
Stuntmen: Tiger Chen, Fong-Tei Chen, Hu Chen, Xian Gao, Zheng Jin, Zhan-wen Keu, Chi Tai Lam, Feng-mei Le, Hong-Lin Liu, Jun Ning, Wai-Fai Wong.
Scenario: This scene takes place in China during the Qing dynasty, approximately the year 1779. It is a wuxia film, being that it concerns a hero bound by a particular chivalry code. Many of these warriors are in the lower class of society and live a well traveled life. This scene involves Yu Shu Lien and Jen Yu. Yu Shu Lien fits into the wuxia hero theme being a well seasoned warrior. She is asked by Li Mui Bai, a Wudang swordsman, to transport his sword known as the, "Green Destiny". During this effort Jen Yu, the aristocratic daughter of the governor disguises herself and steals this epic sword. In wielding this sword, she feels a power unlike anything else and refuses to give it up.
In this scene, Yu Shu Lien is bound by her ethical code to return the sword where it belongs. This includes losing her friendship with Jen Yu over it. Yet, Jen Yu struggles to figure out which crossroad to take. To stay in the manners she was born into, or to seek out new adventures of her own.
Genre: After reviewing this scene several times I deem it Realistic, Expressionistic, with a hint of comedic elements onto it.
Realistic: We can see the awareness involved from both parties in the movement of their attacks and defenses. It is fast, it is fluid, and quite powerful. By the way, check out that bind with that epic metal staff and the sword. Looks familiar, eh? :D
Expressionistic: During those moment where they have this sudden lift or graceful end to a strong attack. I find that it may be more of a director choice, in expressing the legend and mysteries during the Qing dynasty.
Comedic: A great place you see this in when Yu Shu Lien struggles to hold up that ridiculously heavy weapon, looks over at Jen Yu and runs toward a new weapon.
In an effort to survive, its best to work with agreeable weapons...
I will now discuss the objective, tactics, and obstacles from the perspective of Yu Shu Lien.
Objective: The first main objective is to survive. The second is to maintain her ethical code by obtaining the legendary sword and returning it as requested. In this case, getting it back from Jen Yu.
Tactics: Utilizing focus and awareness from her years of warrior skills, especially when Jen Yu approaches her in attack. In utilizing her environment as well, in this case whatever weaponry that will assist her in obtaining her objective.
Obstacle: Jen Yu and her newfound power in having the green destiny and the even more difficulty of persuading her to return to her aristocratic ways.
I chose this scene because it is powerful, graceful, and beautiful all together. You see the seasoned, well experienced warrior, focused and aware side by side with the young, selfish aristocrat who is skilled as well, but not held to the same ethical code as Yu Shu Lien.
Chapter 6 Goodness Time! (Yay! :D)
I enjoyed reading about the additional facts to improve our drill work. For example, taking the time to really strengthen the wrists and hands prior to actual drill work. Reading the particulars required for parries and attacks gives me a new focus to what we have applied in class already. I'm a little terrified of the "Groin Strike" and enjoy the bind very very much. What a fun way to escape!
After reading Chapter 6, I am very interested in what is called the "Fancy Schmancy".
...and maybe.. just maybe the additional techniques needed with other European swords. (Claymore anyone? D:)
Any who... Hope this was fascinating and intriguing! Now I leave you with the embedded video of wuxia joy. Enjoy!
Cheers!
-Gina Bauza
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