Catholic agency names 'Crouching Tiger' best movie of 2000

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The film assessment office sponsored by U.S. Roman Catholic bishops has named ''Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,'' a Mandarin-language martial arts epic, the best movie of 2000.

Under the bishops' rating system, ''Crouching Tiger'' is recommended for adults only. ''The film blends mesmerizing martial arts with stunning special effects into a script brimming with intrigue and suspense,'' the bishops' office said. The rest of the top 10 list:

2. ''Traffic'' (rated for adults, ''with reservations''). 3. ''Chicken Run'' (general audiences). 4. ''Butterfly'' (adults). 5. ''Billy Elliot'' (adults). 6. ''Best in Show'' (adults, with reservations). 7. ''Remember the Titans'' (adults and adolescents). 8. ''Cast Away'' (adults and adolescents). 9. ''The Color of Paradise'' (adults and adolescents). 10. ''East-West'' (adults).

The bishops' list may have heralded divine intervention. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has nominated ''Crouching Tiger'' and ''Traffic'' -- a highly acclaimed film about the illegal drug trade -- for Best Picture Oscars.