Customer Reviews

Green Dragon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jeff and Mychael Danna's numinous score for "Green Dragon" mixes it up gorgeously between Eastern soul and Western heart. Lush but tastefully orchestral strings cascade like a silk curtain behind an ensemble of Asian instruments, creating an exotic blend which hasn't been heard much since Maurice Jarre scored "The Year Of Living Dangerously" for Peter Weir. The themes are clearly stated and artfully interpolated. The reflective, wistful effect of hearing "Oriental" modes on Western instruments and vice-versa recalls just how groundbreaking was Elmer Bernstein's classic score for "To Kill A Mockingbird", to which this lovely piece has a distinct kinship.

This music is well worth the careful listen. It is haunting and enigmatic, and true spirit lay behind it. "Farewell Saigon (Track 9) for example starts in at a gentle lilt, then, at about thirty seconds in, the sky quietly opens and you are briefly pulled up to your feet. Then, just as subtly, it settles you back down in your chair. The melodies here are the strongest anywhere - they are like in music what the expression of Herman Melville or Karen Blixen is to language. This is the score to film. I can only imagine what this artist could create if he were given the freedom.

I agree with the other reviewers, this is a very nice, and probably underappreciated, soundtrack. Most of the tracks have an Asian sound, somewhat exotic, but also very sentimental and it is good mood music to relax to. But personally, my favorite track is the last one "Mother's Arms" and, in fact, it was the main reason I bought the soundtrack (I saw the movie and they played this song at the end during the credits and I thought it was very nice, touching). So I just thought I'd point that out.

This is a great CD. I really love how the music incorporates both Eastern and Western motifs. I'm a big fan of the Danna brothers, and this is very different from their Celtic album. I also own Jeff Danna's "O" soundtrack.

I never watched the movie, but the score makes me want to watch it! I found the CD by dumb luck at a used CDs store. Since I like scores in general, I figured I couldn't go wrong. One of the best deals I've ever had the chance to strike. Easily becoming one of my favorite soundtracks. Get it!