Los Angeles: World-renowned Taiwanese director Ang Lee reflected on the motivation behind his Oscar-winning film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” at a special pre-screening event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film’s release in Los Angeles. The event took place at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures where Lee shared insights into his creative process.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lee described “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” as his way of searching for an “imaginary classic China.” During the event, Lee explained that he aimed to incorporate everything he knew and liked into the film, including elements that were conflicting. This, he admitted, contributed to the complexity of the project. Lee emphasized his effort to portray the “most classic Chinese culture” and “most refined behavior” in the 120-minute film.

Despite the film’s success, winning four Oscars at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001, Lee confessed to having doubts during its production in China. He recounted questioning himself throughout the process, worrying that the outcome might not meet expectations.

Lee, born in Taiwan to parents who migrated from China during the Chinese Civil War, expressed a deep connection to classic Chinese heritage. He acknowledged that this heritage has largely faded, and through the film, he sought to recreate his imagined version of a classic China within a fictional cinematic world.

The director also reminisced about the collaborative nature of the production, which brought together individuals from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and the United States. They all worked collectively to pursue the same “dragon,” symbolizing the fading image of China in their hearts.