Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

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Why do the Chinese students respect their teachers and parents so much that they try their best obeying every instructions and demands from their superiors without any complains or arguments? It is because students and children are taught in that way in Chinese culture for thousands of years. Taoism and Confucianism, the two most influential philosophies of China have been represented by characters in the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon directed by Ang Lee. Taoism is a philosophy created by Lao-tzu and according to Taoism, the entire universe and everything in it flows with a mysterious, unknown force called the Tao. Taoist focuses on the individual and its place in nature while rejecting government. On the other hand, Confucianism, another driving philosophy of dynastic China, created by Confucius believes each person should act with virtue in all social matters; family , community, state, and kingdom, to ensure order and unity. Moreover, Confucianism focuses on the way humans interact with each other through established customs and rituals, including societal institutions. This movie suggests how rigid Taoism and Confucianism can create problems for people and how we should follow our own hearts.

When the audiences take a closer look at Li Mu Bai, they will discover that Taoist traits are present in his personality, and even in his sword. Taoists believe they overcome problems by yielding and this is similar to how the sword, Green Destiny, works. Compare to other swords, Green Destiny is a bendable sword and by bending, it cuts through other swords like paper. All Taoists including Li Mu Bai are trying to find enlightenment by setting free every attachment they have on this world. Surprisingly, Li Mu Bai surpas...

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... Before Jen jumps off from the edge of the mountain, she asks Lo to make a wish. Jen is doing this for Lo, however, by jumping off the edge, this is similar to letting go of everything. Jen jumps because her heart tells her to, rather than becoming a person with the balance of both Confucianism and Taoism.

Confucius once said that “life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated” by restricting ourselves with traditions and beliefs. We don’t have to follow the popular religions and beliefs because of peer-pressure. Lao zi once said that if we always “care about what other people think[,] we will always be their prisoner” so we should follow our hearts and create our own paths. However, people will also need to think about the consequences of our behaviours before we act or we may cause troubles like Jen in the move Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

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