7/25/2019 Profile of Ang Lee

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Profle o Ang Lee

Ang Lee was born inTaiwantoChineseparents. His

father placed great importance on studying Chinese

culture and arts.

He moved to the US in 1979 to study a degree in

theatre. He went on to study film making in New

York. Once he completed his course, he was signed to

a prestigious agency in Hollywood. Despite this, he

remained unemployed for 6 years.

Lee spent his unemployed years at home as a house husband whilst his wife was the

breadwinner. During this time he wrote the screenplays for 'Pushing Hands and The Wedding

Banquet. He went on to direct both films to critical acclaim in both his native Taiwan and the

international market. The film received honours at the Berlin Film Festival, the Golden Globes

and the Academy Awards.

These early films focussed on the theme, tradition verses modernity in a changing world. This

would become a key theme and focus to subsequent films.

His success with these foreign language films gave him the credibility to work in Hollywood. He

directed Sense & Sensibility (1995), The Ice Storm (1997) and Ride with the Devil (1999).

Sense & Sensibility was both a commercial success and won a number of awards.

Messages and ValuesLees films often explore conflict between tradition and modernity. This can be seen in Sense &

Sensibility. The women are trapped in the confines of society just as they are in Crouching Tiger,

Hidden Dragon. Lee explores a range of female characters and seems to empathise with the

pressures traditional society can place on them. This theme could be a result of his time as

house husband but also influenced by Chinese arts where strong women were not uncommon.

Females dominate the screen time in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and all three characters

challenge patriarchal norms while pursuing, or yearning for personal happiness. Even when acharacter meets her death for example, Jade Fox may be killed by Mu Bai but she takes him

with her by poisoning him. Jens suicide is another example of female independence the

decision is hers and is left for the audience to determine her reasoning (e.g. did she regret her

part in Mu Bais death, did she wish to die and be reborn as a man, did she want to escape her

marriage?)

Lees films also explore a conflict between eastern and western cultures we can assume this is

influenced by his own cultural background (having been born in Taiwan, studied Chinese art

and culture and then moved to America where he still resides).