One of our best and most eclectic directors was born today. From period epics to forbidden love stories, hulks and visual 3D extravaganzas, the Taiwanese-born master has proven that he can tackle just about any subject on screen, but if you had to pinpoint it I suppose you could say that he connects to stories about emotionally closed off people entrapped by their surroundings. in honor of the two-time Oscar winner's birthday, here's a tribute that takes a look at my three favorite Ang Lee films:
1) Sense and Sensibility (1995) Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet
Still one of his best movies, this exquisite Jane Austen adaptation introduced Kate Winslet to the world and possesses one of the most heartwrenching happy endings you can imagine.
Trailer:
2) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) Chow-yun fat, Michelle Yeoh
This crossover hit was a cultural phenomenon with some of the most amazing action scenes ever put to film, plus two butt-kicking heroines (Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi) in lead roles to boot.
Trailer:
3) Lust, Caution (2007) Tony Leung, Tang Wei
Kind of a divisive movie, but I think one of his best and most underrated, that explores the duplicitous relationship between a Chinese spy in World War II-era Shanghai and the sadistic government agent she is forced to seduce.
