Page "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" Paragraph 28

In Cinema Journal, Kenneth Chan notes the restrictions binding the female characters and their freedom and resulting actions.

There is Jade Fox, whose bitterness against the limitations male-dominated society has set upon her resulted in her open revolt.

Then there is Jen, the young woman at the verge of her wedding is still wavering, battling between her desire to be accepted and respected by her family and society and her wish to be free.

Finally, there is Shu Lien.

Although she lives the life of a warrior, she adheres strictly to the moral codes and traditions of the patriarchal society she lives in.

She respects male privilege and consistently suppresses her desire for Li Mu Bai due to certain societal obligations.

( She was engaged to Mu Bai's brother, so they feel it would not be honorable to get married.