Film director Ang Lee's first Chinese martial arts film swept six awards in Taiwan's "Oscars," but the best actress and actor awards went to Hong Kong stars.
The Taiwan-born Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," bagged six trophies in 13-nominated categories at the annual Golden Horse Awards on Saturday, including best picture.
The awards showcase Chinese-language films, mainly from Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The epic love story set in a mythical China was the first martial arts movie by Lee, whose other films included "Sense and Sensibility," "The Wedding Banquet" and "The Ice Storm."
The movie that blends beautifully choreographed, computer-manipulated fight scenes and Chinese legend also got awards for best sound effects, best action choreographed, best original film score, best film editing, and best visual effect.
Hong Kong actress Magggie Cheung won the best leading actress award -- her fourth in the category -- for "In the Mood for Love," a 1960s romance of two neighbors ensnared in a web of infidelity directed by Wong Kar-wai.
"In the Mood for Love" bagged the best actor and best cinematography awards at the Cannes Film Festival in May.
The best leading actor award went to Hong Kong actor Francis Ng for his role in "The Mission," a genre-revamping action film directed by To Kei-fung who also won himself the best director award.
Taiwan stars, Cheung Ka-nin for "The Cabbie" and Chao Mei-ling for "Lament of the Sand River", got the best supporting actor and actress awards, respectively.
(China Daily 12/03/2000)
