Green Dragon is a Vietnamese account of some refugees who arrived in the USA after the war and tried to make a home for themselves. It was directed by Timothy Linh Bui, who turned to the Canadian brothers Jeff and Mychael Danna to write the music. He must be delighted that he did because they have fashioned one of the most exquisitely beautiful scores in some time.

There are four main themes, heard in sequence in the first four cues. The first is similar in many ways to Thomas Newman, with brief percussive bursts driving a rhythmic piece; it reminds me of Newman's Red Corner in many ways, though is less strident than his explosive main title cue for that picture. The second and third themes are more reminiscent of Georges Delerue; the second, "The Dragon Disappears", is quite wonderful. (Those who read my writing regularly will know that I frequently proffer Delerue as the greatest melodist film music has ever known, and those two melodies in this score would not be at all out of place in one of his: I can't think of a greater compliment I could pay.) The final theme, in "America", is a Coplandesque piece of Americana. Now, you may think that Thomas Newman, Georges Delerue and Aaron Copland are not three composers whose styles would meld well together, but think again.

This should not be taken to imply a lack of originality or style by the brothers Danna, because the resemblances are only passing and they combine the different styles demanded by the story very well. This is some of the most evocative and moving music I have heard in a long time and it really does envelop you and transport you to a different place and time while listening - and isn't that the mark of the finest film music?

I am not clear about the nature of the brothers' collaboration - whether they worked together on each cue or divided the film up for each to tackle different aspects, I don't know. Likewise, I am not especially familiar with the bulk of either composer's work, but if it is anything like as good as this then discovering it is a prospect I greatly relish. Green Dragon may, I suppose, be something of an acquired taste, but those who do acquire the taste are in for a rare treat.

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