The plot of CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, Ang Lee’s 2000 martial arts extravaganza set in in 18th century Qing Dynasty China, swirls around the theft of a mythical blade called Green Destiny. The theft sets in motion several events, which sweep up the sword’s owner, Wudang master Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-fat), along with Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), another Wudang master and the woman he loves but can never have; the preternaturally talented Wudang neophyte Jen Yu (Zhang Ziyi); and the murderous and treacherous Jade Fox (Cheng Pei-pei). The film is among the most visually exhilarating adventure-dramas ever made. It won over 40 awards, and was nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture, winning for Best Foreign Language Film (Taiwan), Best Art Direction, Best Original Score (by Tan Dun) and Best Cinematography.
Before the film, as part of the first annual LOU REED TAI CHI DAY, his teacher Master Ren Guang Yi and tai chi practitioners will demonstrate Chen style forms accompanied by Lou Reed DRONES, an immersive sonic work featuring Reed’s guitar feedback and special guests Laurie Anderson, John Zorn, Sarth Calhoun, Stewart Hurwood, and others.
Additionally, there will be a demo of Chen and other tai chi styles earlier in the day at the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza, including an introductory event at 8AM and tai chi instruction outdoors on the Library Plaza from 9-11AM.