In cinema’s very soon is the Netflix, Weinstein company joint production, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, SWORD OF DESTINY. A sequel of the original 2000 movie CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON that was directed by Ang Lee. This is probably not as thoughtful or indeed haunting as its predecessor, but it is however an exciting and action filled adventure which contains fast paced and at times what seems to be relentless fight scenes. Directed by Woo-Ping Yuen, the screenplay is based upon the final book of the Crane-Iron series, and focuses upon a band of warriors that are committed to finding and protecting a 400-year-old legendary sword, so powerful is the sword that whoever possess it will rule the land. Actress Michelle Yeoh is again heading the cast and reprising her role from the original picture in the role of Yu Shu Lien. Music is by acclaimed Japanese Maestro, Shigeru Umebayashi, who has been involved with many successful Japanese motion pictures which has wowed audiences outside of their country of origin. HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, FUTARIKKO, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, THE GRANDMASTER and FEARLESS amongst them. Born in Japan in 1951, Umebayashi, is a gifted and talented composer, who works not only on Japanese movies and projects, his music is at times obviously linked to the culture and traditions of his homeland, but on other occasions one would think that this is the work of a seasoned Hollywood composer. Umebayashi, utilises thundering and diverse percussive elements within his score for CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, SWORD OF DESTINY, on which he builds the remainder of his score. Brass and strings feature large within the work, giving it a powerful and commanding persona throughout, however there are also a handful of more intimate and subtle interludes, which are created by the use of both woodwind and strings, the woodwind purveying a mood of mystery and also of solitude at times, with strings adding a more romantic atmosphere and also giving support to the fragile sounding woods, which at times evoke memories of the composers score for CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER (2006), light and emotive solo piano is at times woven into the proceedings adding depth and also a more poignant side by supporting and enhancing the woodwind and strings which bring forth a lavishly and absorbing sound. There are also at times gentle nods to the Italian western score, with one or two notes being performed on electric guitar or cymbalom, in a similar way to what Morricone utilised in the Dollar movies for example when a central character was on screen or entered the shot. This is an epic score, it is filled with a powerful musical presence that is highly charged, at times action led, at times proud and noble and in certain instances filled with a mystical air and a romanticism that is enriching and rewarding. The violin solos too are hauntingly beautiful, and get right to one’s core, One for the collection, most definitely.
TRACK LISTING.
1.
The Edge of the Empire Lies the Martial World
2:31
2.
Snow Vase Attacks Hades Dai
2:03
3.
Silent Wolf Theme
1:51
4.
Back to Beijing
1:39
5.
Wild Bunch Theme
1:36
6.
Tea House Fight
2:51
7.
West Lotus Soldiers in Lingao Village
1:49
8.
Fue – Snow Vase
1:14
9.
This is Our Story – Your Mother is My Teacher
3:47
10.
Taiko – Wei Fang
1:31
11.
Silent Wolf and Yu Fend Off
1:42
12.
Snow Vase Attacks Mantis
1:11
13.
Deja Vu Moment
1:01
14.
Lying in the Cage
1:18
15.
Snow Vase Theme
1:46
16.
Plum Wine
1:31
17.
Banter Waltz
1:29
18.
Silent Wolf Maid His Way to Wudang Mountain
2:18
19.
Protect the Sword with Your Life
2:23
20.
Paper Lantern
0:52
21.
Yu Shu Line’s Theme
1:23
22.
Yu and Snow
1:41
23.
Yu Still Watching Silent Wolf
1:20
24.
The Last of the Mourner
2:42
25.
Silver Dart Dies
2:10
26.
Wei Fang Stole the Green Destiny
2:03
27.
Frozen Lake
1:23
28.
It’s Over – The Sword Wins
2:18
29.
A Swordsman of Honor
1:48
30.
Theme for Sword of Destiny
3:06
31.
Eternal Breath – English Version
4:17
32.
Eternal Breath – Chinese Version
4:17
33.
Theme for Sword of Destiny – Revised
3:25
Total Album Time:
68:16
MOVIE MUSIC INTERNATIONAL. (MMI) . 