Kiss of the Dragon: Symphony for Isabelle (Score) [Soundtrack, Import]

Craig Armstrong (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 17, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack, Import
• ASIN: B00005N4OV
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #699,049 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. As If You Said Nothing

2. Symphony For Isabelle (Parts 01 To 19)

Editorial Reviews

Import only scored soundtrack to this 2001 martial arts film starring Jet Li & Brigette Fonda. The soundtrack was scored by Craig Armstrong who's provided string arrangements for Massive Attack, Madonna, Blue Nile, U2 and scored soundtracks to, 'Best Laid Plans', 'Mission Impossible', 'Romeo & Juliet' and more. The domestic version is songs 'inspired by' the film and does not include any of these scored pieces. EMI.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible score by a legendary composer., August 12, 2002

By 

MJR "MJR" (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kiss of the Dragon: Symphony for Isabelle (Score) (Audio CD)

The Kiss of the Dragon Score is an incredible score by a legendary composer.

This score compliments the ideas, scenes, and screenplay presented in the "Kiss of the Dragon" movie with precision. It's one of those scores that truly keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

Craig Armstrong has composed a more 'ambient' style of music which facilitates Jet Li's calm nature of fighting, yet particularizes the suspense and dramatic progression of notes, tones, and symphonic 'punch.'

Track 1; 'As if you said Nothing' is a piece with lyrics.
Tracks 2-20; 'Symphony for Isabell' (Parts 01-19).
These Parts form the actual motion picture score with 'Symphony for Isabell Parts 1-5' being most prominant and most heard in the original motion picture.

I would recommend seeing the DVD first, then purchasing this score. This score is custom-tailored to the movie, and in the 'Hotel chase/pool ball kick scene,' the music/action choreography is incredibly stylistic.

If you are a listener who craves serious/suspenseful tracks, I strongly recommend this CD.

I was a little bit leary about purchasing it, knowing that it is an import and not being able to see the picture, but the CD itself is well put-together.
The actual CD disc is completely matt-black, with clean white & red text on the lower portion.
The front of the CD case shows the Prostitute's back (from the hotel scene) with the red dragon tatoo.
The rear of the CD case shows a Black & White drawing of the KOD (Kiss Of the Dragon) symbol, the dragon.
The included sheet inside the case opens up to reveal a larger drawing of the dragon.

This French import is put together very well, and I totally recommend it.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Armstrong's best., February 16, 2004

By 

Inspector Gadget "Go Go Gadget Reviews" (On the trail of Doctor Claw) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kiss of the Dragon: Symphony for Isabelle (Score) (Audio CD)

When compared to the modern masterpieces that are the 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Plunkett and MacLeane', Craig Armstrong's KOD score is obviously an experiment in underscoring. Of course it work well in the film, adding nervous tension and credibility to the numerous action-packed scenes. But on its own it doesn't stand too well.

One of the main reasons is that instead of labelling the tracks with proper titles referring to scenes in the movie, all (apart from one) are called 'A Symphony for Isabelle' (the name of the daughter held hostage in the movie). Unless you're word perfect with the movie you'll struggle to recognize what cue is which.

Perhaps this was an intention move by Armstrong to let the music stand on it's own. But without the violent images and action onscreen the music has no legs. Tho not a failure in any way (it works fantastically when married to the movie) it doesn't really work as a soundtrack album.

The CD package is in typically minimalist form as any fan of Armstrong should expect. Tho it is very rare and worth seeking out if you are a fan.

Lastly, at the point where the mad 'Mystikal Fever' kicks in during the movie, Armstrong actually wrote an alternate musical cue which is featured on this CD.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant, August 20, 2002

By 

"fmaes4" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kiss of the Dragon: Symphony for Isabelle (Score) (Audio CD)

I had never heard of Craig Armstrong, before I bought the soundtrack of "Six feet under" I fell in love with the piece Craig wrote for this soundtrack. A music piece that I knew from The Blue nile, but in the combination of Craig and Paul Buchanan it is unbelievable brilliant.
It all started then and I searched for more works of Mr. Armstrong.
In the mean time I collected most of his works and beside "Plunkett & Maclean" this is one of his best pieces I have heard so far.
Symphony for Isabelle is beautiful, with some beautiful slow movements but I love the fast tracks much more.
The combination of his violins, synthesizers and rythm is so good performed and composed, that every time I hear this music I`m trilled.
Listen to part 8 and 19 and you know what I mean.
My God this Craig Armstrong is good. A new composer is added to my list.