I think the problem is that Sorkin only has one tone, which everyone here can picture, even if the precise adjectives are debatable. I'd say something like: smart, fast, self-serious, self-aware, a touch of preachy, and a dash of pretension.

I get what you're saying, but it also sounds like you're describing CTHD as… a cinematic anomaly?

I don't know that anyone thinks Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon transcends its genre (much less originated it), just that it is one of the best entries in that genre. I've seen a lot of wuxia movies and HK action movies in general, and I've never seen one that matches it for acting or cinematography. Hands down the…