CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (2000)

Directed by: Ang Lee
Written by: Hui-Ling Wang, James Schamus, Kuo Jung Tsai
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Starring: Yun-Fat Chow, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chen Chang
Rated: PG-13

About the film:
After a legendary warrior bestows his treasured sword, The Green Destiny, to an old friend in an act that signifies his “retirement,” it is stolen. The warrior and the unrequited love of his life set out together to retrieve it. They are led to the daughter of an affluent family who appears to be moonlighting as an assassin.

Movie Quote:
“A faithful heart makes wishes come true.”
Lo (Chen Chang) in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Bible Quote:
“A faithful man shall abound with blessings.”
Proverbs 28:20a (KJV)

Commentary:
I don’t know if the word “wishes” in the quote from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon helps to communicate the truth or if it manages to detract from it. A “wish,” to me, has always implied a hope for something that isn’t promised; something that may or may not happen. It is the wanting of something really, really badly… but having no good reason to expect anyone to give it to us. That’s what a wish is. God desires something better for us.

A faithful man, such as the one in our Bible quote, shall (absolutely) abound with blessings. No wishing is involved. Instead, believing is the key to receiving those things for which we believe. A faithful man will set a vision for himself and then work towards that vision every day until it has been achieved.

The blessings in which he abounds are simply the fruit of his diligent actions which he faithfully performs every day. Those with eyes to see will recognize that God is working “behind the scenes” to reward him. God will always honor faithfulness and He faithfully rewards believing. It is a promise of His Word. It is a promise that we can trust with our whole heart.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What are some biblical examples of faithfulness that resulted in blessings or rewards?
2. What are some of the qualities or values that are reflected in the film’s characters? How do they compare to Christian values and qualities.

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com