The Fate Of Lee Khan 4.5/5
Excellent King Hu movie,a slow burner to be sure but very atmospheric and with a terrific cast. Well worth seeking out,the german dvd looks very nice.
What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
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Beat TG
- Pedicab Driver
- Posts: 257
- Joined: 07 Sep 2006, 11:09
Movies watched over these past weeks:
Back Alley Princess (1973)
Not special in most ways but nonetheless very enjoyable and captivating for its tone and setting (gotta love the mood and touches in these old movies). I didn't expect much fun and joy from the lead actress who would otherwise make a typical and attractive female fighter for that time line but all her scenes where she takes advantage of everyone she bumbs into and everything she has in mind with her naughty tricks and fighting skills makes her a very likable character. But other than her, we don't get a whole lot in terms of development and interest from other roles and that itself can be quite a bore. Angela Mao appears mostly for fights and, though she was interesting enough, barely gets anything interesting to do as goes for everyone else. Watch this just for the lead actress and for the fights. Rating: 3/5
Hired Guns (1981)
Very ordinary crime movie material that can play quite a bit with your patience due to its themes and build-up but nonetheless surprisingly quite gritty and unforgivable, featuring very gruesome scenes. The main actor (don't know his name but I think he was an extra in Enter the Dragon) was very good and so was Philip Ko as the main villain, John Cheung (plays a small role), and everyone else. There's also some good action scenes (guns, streetfights, stunts) so you can't go wrong with this one. Rating: 3/5
Plain Jane to the Rescue (1982)
I'm quite surprised that the movie (along with anything pre-86 John Woo) get overlooked and looked down upon by many just because it's a John Woo movie without guns and whatever recognizable in later films of his. It's actually very imaginative and overall amusing as a whole. John Woo's style of comedy is really showing here and man, what a showcase I went through; there's many many situations (such as an actor and double on a film set being shot back to back, one person overconvincing another to act whatever the former says, a person teaching an old man manners etc... with crazy results!) where you just can't stop from laughing, and these scenes are also different from what you would otherwise see in a typical HK comedy. On top of that, very good use of actors; Josephine Siao, Ricky Hui, Michael Lee, Charlie Cho and so on doing very good acting jobs. Rating: 4/5
Play Catch (1983)
Very basic in terms of comedy, romance and action which is also unusual material for Lau Kar Wing (director of the movie). There's some scenes worth watching (particularly a circus scene at the end involving Alan Tam and Bolo Yeung in a big cage with leopards) but overall, it's not something for those who are looking for good comedy and action. Rating: 2/5
Wing Chun (1994)
Remember growing tired of it few years back but it did it for me this time around. Story and acting were alright; nothing heavy, nothing touchable as always with YWP movies though with some worthwhile comedy (depending on taste). Just watch it for the fights, which are in numbers, mostly grounded (thank goodness!), and well shot as well as executed. Rating: 3.5/5
Ong Bak 2 (2008)
Tony Jaa REALLY delivered his fighting performance, the way I didn't expected from him, this time around. So much dimension and variety in the choreography, that and Jaa executing the movements in another flavor (I tell you, it doesn't look anything like what he has done before). As if that wasn't enough, pretty much the whole content (although it's very simplistic and containing few plot holes) does: story, events, twists, solutions, conflicts... everything was just clicking for me. No more was the "stolen thing has to be brought back" thing as well as that showy fighting style from Ong Bak and TYG used (I'm still watching them now and then and I still can't get into it). This is Jaa in a much different level (original or not, it was refreshing to see Jaa break out other styles other than his thai style). Dan Chupong as the crow fighter (at least I think it was him) was probably the only disappointing thing in the movie, appears right in the end and disappears as fast as he showed up (haha... come on man!), but other than that I'm really digging this. Rating: 4/5 (5/5 for action)
Tactical Unit: No Way Out (2008)
I was very surprised and relieved to know that this was better than I originally expected (I kind of had big expectations actually but not that big). Now after seeing this, I'm figuring that the purpose of the whole TACTICAL UNIT series, unlike PTU where it was only about the PTU packs and their morals to their own rules, is to show many different sides of both crime enforcers and criminals and in that particular aspect, so far, it's really showing its goods; THE CODE, this and (maybe and hopefully) also the others expends and explores more of this. With NO WAY OUT though, the theme is aimed toward the treatment of suspects and innocent/crime involved people and, with Lawrence Lau at helm, you'll get treated to 88 min of spectacular, raw and emotional storytelling as the main character of focus (not Simon Yam or the other actors) has to go through the worst caused by both crime enforcers and criminals to survive and take care of a loved one. Really heavy stuff. One thing I felt was very cruel and immoral was the aspect of crime enforcers taking advantage of suspects way too much and are portrayed as ignorant and soulless individuals despite having rules and having to take emotions into account as they are doing their job. I think that gave them almost no character and touch up until everything ended and I guess that's the point after all but I don't know, maybe toning it down a bit would've been better. Even the criminals, though it's more easy to depict them as soulless and non-caring, had very little to play with in terms of emotions and character. Aside this small nitpick, I'm very impressed and intrigued by this one. Rating: 4.5/5
Tactical Unit: Human Nature (2008)
While still being an overall good movie, it's not up there with NO WAY OUT and even THE CODE in terms of consistence and peculiarity. Things develop to and get more personal between the crime enforcers and though it was a good thing to have in the movie, I thought it wasn't well gripped and interestingly told like in the previous parts of the series. But nonetheless the story and acting are wonderfully staged adding lots of humanity and emotions to those who are affected by their own situations. Seeing Lam Suet in the lead role (he's the main focus, hence the main character technically) was very nice as I don't think he's had one before and he really handles it with conviction and with no flaws. One could wonder who he would do if given more chances at that area. Simon Yam and Maggie Siu also get quite a bit to play with acting-wise but it's not enough for the viewer to care too much about since the focus is mostly on someone else. But Gordon Lam, on the other hand, did a great job and was fortunately left with more screen-time than the rest of the acting bunch which was a good thing (really glad to see him in more movies these days) and get to show some really good variable acting skills to give the movie more touch and style in his performance and to the movie. Between Lam Suet (who did an equally good job) and him, I think I'd go with the latter because no one else looked and delivered better. Watching this also made me think that, by now, it should be noted that since PTU the series have gone from artistry to basic character exploration and has since given up the inclusion of action set pieces and quirkiness which I felt was needed in the parts I've seen so far, so I was happy to see that HUMAN NATURE included some good action in there to keep the viewer's interest as long as possible. Overall, it could've have been better with maybe a different director or different script but it's, like I said, satisfying enough. Rating: 3/5
Infernal Affairs 3 (2003)
Direction, intensity, characters, solutions, consequences... It's there like what was shown in the previous parts of the series and it's these aspects that make IA3 quite a piece of quality film. But unfortunately, like so many sequels of this kind, it suffers from character additions to "supposedly" tell other story parts and extend the original story and while it works you still can't help but think of the "unnecessity" of the necessity or intentions the makers originally had when they made IA1, with this and the prequel. But I love it so it doesn't matter. Rating: 4.5/5
Wild Search (1989)
Not your usual Ringo Lam vehicle of grittiness and realism and while it still has those ingredients in most places, it's still effective and potential as an overall dramatic movie. It's always a pleasure to see Chow Yun Fat play roles opposed to his John Woo movies and here he portrays one of his best characters as a hard-tempered and stubborn turned caring cop opposite Cherie Chung's restrained and emotional character. Tommy Wong (former Lam regular), Paul Chun Pui, Lau Kong, Roy Cheung and even the child actress (I've seen her in few other films) turn into great performances as well and make things more interesting. The plot itself is simple and something too familiar these days but for directorial style, it's well driven storytelling. Rating: 4/5
The Story of My Son (1990)
Very similar to All About Ah Long in theme and cast/crew but less melodramatic (thank goodness!) and more tragic and realistic. Damian Lau's father role is flawless and as the movie goes along we get treated to his world of happiness, stress, depression, love, anger and fear as he goes through the worst the more he screws things up. The child actors were surprisingly good too and held their own against everyone they acted against (including Lau) and it was wonderful to see scenes where they take care of each other during all the situations and environment they found themselves in (great way of showing the band between them and their father). Just wish it was longer (just as things got more interesting, it climaxed all the more) but overall, it's something of a great watch for me. Rating: 5/5
A Hero Never Dies (1998)
One movie that truly gives the word irony a new meaning. The gang conflict (Yam vs Fong), the character relationships (Jack/Martin and Fiona/Yoyo), the revenge plots are images and contrasts of the gang/friend codes that highlights nothing but mockery of them and difference of their meaning in the opposite context. Truly astounding and unique! Only if Johnnie To and crew could've created a different revenge plot for Sean Lau (I appreciate the message/intention but not the look), I would've liked it much better but in the end, I still like it so it's acceptable. Rating: 4.5/5
The Longest Nite (1998)
Truly heavy and mind-trigging as far as storytelling goes. From the intros (on the situation of the underworld, a hitman's arrival to Macau) to the set-up (the work of the mos def disguised with one of the under mos defs) of a corrupt cop and the climax of that situation (identity for survival), the story goes through the hectic where extreme attention and fast thinking is most reliable to get to the point(s) of every single event. Def not for everyone. On top of that, top actors are there to make it all happen; Tony Leung, my man Sean Lau, Maggie Siu, Mark Cheng etc. Solid stuff! Rating: 5/5
Hard Boiled (1992)
Action aside, which was fresh to see again after quite a while, the story contained so less interestingly developed characters, minus Tony Leung who was the real star of the show, and that's where I think Woo and crew could've worked on better. In the end Anthony Wong, Philip Chan, Philip Kwok, Teresa Mo, and even Chow end up nothing more than conventional characters that you don't care that much about. Overall, it's great but The Killer, A Better Tomorrow and Bullet in the Head come off as much better works of Woo. Rating: 3.5/5 (5/5 for action)
City on Fire (1987)
Liked it alot the first time and has since then not been changed at all. The story may be typical and "thin" for today's standards but it's the content that counts and what makes it special as a crime movie; character studies, schemes, solutions, morals within both sides the law... It's wonderfully structured and well thought. Cinematography, editing, music (great use of instruments, really fits the mood), and direction are all top-notch and the cast couldn't have been better; Chow Yun Fat, Danny Lee, Roy Cheung, Sun Yuet, Carrie Ng and the lesser players. Rating: 5/5
Prison on Fire (1987)
Not much of a thick story here (a man imprisoned for 3 years and goes through alot... simple stuff) but the movie relies instead on character development to move the story further. Everything's done perfect as expected by Ringo Lam; the acting (everyone delivered their roles, not just Chow and Big Tony), the location, the relationships, cinematography, music, action etc. If there was a flaw overall then it's the pacing (revealing plot holes) but I'll put that complain aside as this was very common for movies made back then. Rating: 5/5
Prison on Fire 2 (1991)
Not bad for a sequel but as expected, things are way too different now: direction, settings/cinematography, acting, character development... It's more open and revealing which has ups (more on Chow's character) and downs (lighter violence, male bounding). All in all, a well put effort by Lam (great acting from everyone) but something with less quality and more busier style opposed to the superior original. Rating: 3/5
Drunken Master 2 (1994)
Decent story and acting although a more straightforward story (a story with accidental events tend to drop a movie's quality for me) would've been preferable. Otherwise, the highest or only reasonable accolade this movie should get is for the action. Seeing Chan's choreography here is phenomenal: lots of variable and interesting techs (not just drunken style) applied in each action set piece to show difference in situations and practicality, and every scene is done so well it's hard to favor just one scene (I still can't decide... group fight in town? Chan vs fishseller? Chan vs Ken Lo?). It's a great accomplishment. Rating: 3/5 (5/5 for the action)
Women Prison (1988)
Technically it's the same movie as Ringo Lam's Prison on Fire, having the same writer, but with an all female cast and very few male actors. It's pretty easy to get the point of everything: women's struggles in prison and conditional differences between them and male inmates. Does this make things any good? I actually liked this idea because it bravely portrayed women in a different light, usually not seen too much otherwise, opposed to roles usually associated with HK actresses (gorgeous looks, whores, fem fatales, cheaters and so on). It's safe to say that nothing fancy about women is shown here, it's all about the ugly side (dirt literally, violence, power). The cast is without a doubt the best thing in the movie. Pat Ha (similar to Big Tony's role) is compelling, brave and doesn't regret anything she does and what others says her to do and it's a marvelous performance. Carol Cheng (Chow Yun Fat), Ha Chi-Jan (Roy Cheung), Liu Fan (William Ho) and the other actresses didn't do bad either, everyone does great jobs. Rating: 5/5
Back Alley Princess (1973)
Not special in most ways but nonetheless very enjoyable and captivating for its tone and setting (gotta love the mood and touches in these old movies). I didn't expect much fun and joy from the lead actress who would otherwise make a typical and attractive female fighter for that time line but all her scenes where she takes advantage of everyone she bumbs into and everything she has in mind with her naughty tricks and fighting skills makes her a very likable character. But other than her, we don't get a whole lot in terms of development and interest from other roles and that itself can be quite a bore. Angela Mao appears mostly for fights and, though she was interesting enough, barely gets anything interesting to do as goes for everyone else. Watch this just for the lead actress and for the fights. Rating: 3/5
Hired Guns (1981)
Very ordinary crime movie material that can play quite a bit with your patience due to its themes and build-up but nonetheless surprisingly quite gritty and unforgivable, featuring very gruesome scenes. The main actor (don't know his name but I think he was an extra in Enter the Dragon) was very good and so was Philip Ko as the main villain, John Cheung (plays a small role), and everyone else. There's also some good action scenes (guns, streetfights, stunts) so you can't go wrong with this one. Rating: 3/5
Plain Jane to the Rescue (1982)
I'm quite surprised that the movie (along with anything pre-86 John Woo) get overlooked and looked down upon by many just because it's a John Woo movie without guns and whatever recognizable in later films of his. It's actually very imaginative and overall amusing as a whole. John Woo's style of comedy is really showing here and man, what a showcase I went through; there's many many situations (such as an actor and double on a film set being shot back to back, one person overconvincing another to act whatever the former says, a person teaching an old man manners etc... with crazy results!) where you just can't stop from laughing, and these scenes are also different from what you would otherwise see in a typical HK comedy. On top of that, very good use of actors; Josephine Siao, Ricky Hui, Michael Lee, Charlie Cho and so on doing very good acting jobs. Rating: 4/5
Play Catch (1983)
Very basic in terms of comedy, romance and action which is also unusual material for Lau Kar Wing (director of the movie). There's some scenes worth watching (particularly a circus scene at the end involving Alan Tam and Bolo Yeung in a big cage with leopards) but overall, it's not something for those who are looking for good comedy and action. Rating: 2/5
Wing Chun (1994)
Remember growing tired of it few years back but it did it for me this time around. Story and acting were alright; nothing heavy, nothing touchable as always with YWP movies though with some worthwhile comedy (depending on taste). Just watch it for the fights, which are in numbers, mostly grounded (thank goodness!), and well shot as well as executed. Rating: 3.5/5
Ong Bak 2 (2008)
Tony Jaa REALLY delivered his fighting performance, the way I didn't expected from him, this time around. So much dimension and variety in the choreography, that and Jaa executing the movements in another flavor (I tell you, it doesn't look anything like what he has done before). As if that wasn't enough, pretty much the whole content (although it's very simplistic and containing few plot holes) does: story, events, twists, solutions, conflicts... everything was just clicking for me. No more was the "stolen thing has to be brought back" thing as well as that showy fighting style from Ong Bak and TYG used (I'm still watching them now and then and I still can't get into it). This is Jaa in a much different level (original or not, it was refreshing to see Jaa break out other styles other than his thai style). Dan Chupong as the crow fighter (at least I think it was him) was probably the only disappointing thing in the movie, appears right in the end and disappears as fast as he showed up (haha... come on man!), but other than that I'm really digging this. Rating: 4/5 (5/5 for action)
Tactical Unit: No Way Out (2008)
I was very surprised and relieved to know that this was better than I originally expected (I kind of had big expectations actually but not that big). Now after seeing this, I'm figuring that the purpose of the whole TACTICAL UNIT series, unlike PTU where it was only about the PTU packs and their morals to their own rules, is to show many different sides of both crime enforcers and criminals and in that particular aspect, so far, it's really showing its goods; THE CODE, this and (maybe and hopefully) also the others expends and explores more of this. With NO WAY OUT though, the theme is aimed toward the treatment of suspects and innocent/crime involved people and, with Lawrence Lau at helm, you'll get treated to 88 min of spectacular, raw and emotional storytelling as the main character of focus (not Simon Yam or the other actors) has to go through the worst caused by both crime enforcers and criminals to survive and take care of a loved one. Really heavy stuff. One thing I felt was very cruel and immoral was the aspect of crime enforcers taking advantage of suspects way too much and are portrayed as ignorant and soulless individuals despite having rules and having to take emotions into account as they are doing their job. I think that gave them almost no character and touch up until everything ended and I guess that's the point after all but I don't know, maybe toning it down a bit would've been better. Even the criminals, though it's more easy to depict them as soulless and non-caring, had very little to play with in terms of emotions and character. Aside this small nitpick, I'm very impressed and intrigued by this one. Rating: 4.5/5
Tactical Unit: Human Nature (2008)
While still being an overall good movie, it's not up there with NO WAY OUT and even THE CODE in terms of consistence and peculiarity. Things develop to and get more personal between the crime enforcers and though it was a good thing to have in the movie, I thought it wasn't well gripped and interestingly told like in the previous parts of the series. But nonetheless the story and acting are wonderfully staged adding lots of humanity and emotions to those who are affected by their own situations. Seeing Lam Suet in the lead role (he's the main focus, hence the main character technically) was very nice as I don't think he's had one before and he really handles it with conviction and with no flaws. One could wonder who he would do if given more chances at that area. Simon Yam and Maggie Siu also get quite a bit to play with acting-wise but it's not enough for the viewer to care too much about since the focus is mostly on someone else. But Gordon Lam, on the other hand, did a great job and was fortunately left with more screen-time than the rest of the acting bunch which was a good thing (really glad to see him in more movies these days) and get to show some really good variable acting skills to give the movie more touch and style in his performance and to the movie. Between Lam Suet (who did an equally good job) and him, I think I'd go with the latter because no one else looked and delivered better. Watching this also made me think that, by now, it should be noted that since PTU the series have gone from artistry to basic character exploration and has since given up the inclusion of action set pieces and quirkiness which I felt was needed in the parts I've seen so far, so I was happy to see that HUMAN NATURE included some good action in there to keep the viewer's interest as long as possible. Overall, it could've have been better with maybe a different director or different script but it's, like I said, satisfying enough. Rating: 3/5
Infernal Affairs 3 (2003)
Direction, intensity, characters, solutions, consequences... It's there like what was shown in the previous parts of the series and it's these aspects that make IA3 quite a piece of quality film. But unfortunately, like so many sequels of this kind, it suffers from character additions to "supposedly" tell other story parts and extend the original story and while it works you still can't help but think of the "unnecessity" of the necessity or intentions the makers originally had when they made IA1, with this and the prequel. But I love it so it doesn't matter. Rating: 4.5/5
Wild Search (1989)
Not your usual Ringo Lam vehicle of grittiness and realism and while it still has those ingredients in most places, it's still effective and potential as an overall dramatic movie. It's always a pleasure to see Chow Yun Fat play roles opposed to his John Woo movies and here he portrays one of his best characters as a hard-tempered and stubborn turned caring cop opposite Cherie Chung's restrained and emotional character. Tommy Wong (former Lam regular), Paul Chun Pui, Lau Kong, Roy Cheung and even the child actress (I've seen her in few other films) turn into great performances as well and make things more interesting. The plot itself is simple and something too familiar these days but for directorial style, it's well driven storytelling. Rating: 4/5
The Story of My Son (1990)
Very similar to All About Ah Long in theme and cast/crew but less melodramatic (thank goodness!) and more tragic and realistic. Damian Lau's father role is flawless and as the movie goes along we get treated to his world of happiness, stress, depression, love, anger and fear as he goes through the worst the more he screws things up. The child actors were surprisingly good too and held their own against everyone they acted against (including Lau) and it was wonderful to see scenes where they take care of each other during all the situations and environment they found themselves in (great way of showing the band between them and their father). Just wish it was longer (just as things got more interesting, it climaxed all the more) but overall, it's something of a great watch for me. Rating: 5/5
A Hero Never Dies (1998)
One movie that truly gives the word irony a new meaning. The gang conflict (Yam vs Fong), the character relationships (Jack/Martin and Fiona/Yoyo), the revenge plots are images and contrasts of the gang/friend codes that highlights nothing but mockery of them and difference of their meaning in the opposite context. Truly astounding and unique! Only if Johnnie To and crew could've created a different revenge plot for Sean Lau (I appreciate the message/intention but not the look), I would've liked it much better but in the end, I still like it so it's acceptable. Rating: 4.5/5
The Longest Nite (1998)
Truly heavy and mind-trigging as far as storytelling goes. From the intros (on the situation of the underworld, a hitman's arrival to Macau) to the set-up (the work of the mos def disguised with one of the under mos defs) of a corrupt cop and the climax of that situation (identity for survival), the story goes through the hectic where extreme attention and fast thinking is most reliable to get to the point(s) of every single event. Def not for everyone. On top of that, top actors are there to make it all happen; Tony Leung, my man Sean Lau, Maggie Siu, Mark Cheng etc. Solid stuff! Rating: 5/5
Hard Boiled (1992)
Action aside, which was fresh to see again after quite a while, the story contained so less interestingly developed characters, minus Tony Leung who was the real star of the show, and that's where I think Woo and crew could've worked on better. In the end Anthony Wong, Philip Chan, Philip Kwok, Teresa Mo, and even Chow end up nothing more than conventional characters that you don't care that much about. Overall, it's great but The Killer, A Better Tomorrow and Bullet in the Head come off as much better works of Woo. Rating: 3.5/5 (5/5 for action)
City on Fire (1987)
Liked it alot the first time and has since then not been changed at all. The story may be typical and "thin" for today's standards but it's the content that counts and what makes it special as a crime movie; character studies, schemes, solutions, morals within both sides the law... It's wonderfully structured and well thought. Cinematography, editing, music (great use of instruments, really fits the mood), and direction are all top-notch and the cast couldn't have been better; Chow Yun Fat, Danny Lee, Roy Cheung, Sun Yuet, Carrie Ng and the lesser players. Rating: 5/5
Prison on Fire (1987)
Not much of a thick story here (a man imprisoned for 3 years and goes through alot... simple stuff) but the movie relies instead on character development to move the story further. Everything's done perfect as expected by Ringo Lam; the acting (everyone delivered their roles, not just Chow and Big Tony), the location, the relationships, cinematography, music, action etc. If there was a flaw overall then it's the pacing (revealing plot holes) but I'll put that complain aside as this was very common for movies made back then. Rating: 5/5
Prison on Fire 2 (1991)
Not bad for a sequel but as expected, things are way too different now: direction, settings/cinematography, acting, character development... It's more open and revealing which has ups (more on Chow's character) and downs (lighter violence, male bounding). All in all, a well put effort by Lam (great acting from everyone) but something with less quality and more busier style opposed to the superior original. Rating: 3/5
Drunken Master 2 (1994)
Decent story and acting although a more straightforward story (a story with accidental events tend to drop a movie's quality for me) would've been preferable. Otherwise, the highest or only reasonable accolade this movie should get is for the action. Seeing Chan's choreography here is phenomenal: lots of variable and interesting techs (not just drunken style) applied in each action set piece to show difference in situations and practicality, and every scene is done so well it's hard to favor just one scene (I still can't decide... group fight in town? Chan vs fishseller? Chan vs Ken Lo?). It's a great accomplishment. Rating: 3/5 (5/5 for the action)
Women Prison (1988)
Technically it's the same movie as Ringo Lam's Prison on Fire, having the same writer, but with an all female cast and very few male actors. It's pretty easy to get the point of everything: women's struggles in prison and conditional differences between them and male inmates. Does this make things any good? I actually liked this idea because it bravely portrayed women in a different light, usually not seen too much otherwise, opposed to roles usually associated with HK actresses (gorgeous looks, whores, fem fatales, cheaters and so on). It's safe to say that nothing fancy about women is shown here, it's all about the ugly side (dirt literally, violence, power). The cast is without a doubt the best thing in the movie. Pat Ha (similar to Big Tony's role) is compelling, brave and doesn't regret anything she does and what others says her to do and it's a marvelous performance. Carol Cheng (Chow Yun Fat), Ha Chi-Jan (Roy Cheung), Liu Fan (William Ho) and the other actresses didn't do bad either, everyone does great jobs. Rating: 5/5
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HungFist
- Bruce Lee's Fist
- Posts: 11920
- Joined: 14 Dec 2005, 15:50
- Location: Japan
- Contact:
The Good, the Bad, the Weird (South Korea, 2008) – 2/5
Oriental western by the director of A Bittersweet Life. Unfortunately Kim Ji-woon doesn’t come even close to reaching the level of his previous film. The opening is rather good – over packed but fast and entertaining. But the rest of the film goes downhill. Kim packs the film with techically competent but soulless action scenes and dull story, and even allows the film run for 130 minutes which is over 30 minutes too much. And when the grande finale arrives, he starts playing hip hop on the soundtrack. Some of the other music works well, though. As far as cast goes Song Kang-ho (the Weird) is pretty good, but Jung Woo-sung (the Good) appears free of all charisma. It’s interesting to see Lee Byung-hun playing a villain (the Bad), but he – and the character – pretty much run out of steam after the opening scenes.
Oriental western by the director of A Bittersweet Life. Unfortunately Kim Ji-woon doesn’t come even close to reaching the level of his previous film. The opening is rather good – over packed but fast and entertaining. But the rest of the film goes downhill. Kim packs the film with techically competent but soulless action scenes and dull story, and even allows the film run for 130 minutes which is over 30 minutes too much. And when the grande finale arrives, he starts playing hip hop on the soundtrack. Some of the other music works well, though. As far as cast goes Song Kang-ho (the Weird) is pretty good, but Jung Woo-sung (the Good) appears free of all charisma. It’s interesting to see Lee Byung-hun playing a villain (the Bad), but he – and the character – pretty much run out of steam after the opening scenes.
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Knetan
- Hail the Judge!
- Posts: 2009
- Joined: 12 Mar 2006, 12:57
- Location: Sweden
- Contact:
hey,
someone still watches Hong Kong cinema, old AND new? Thanks.
I saw Tactical Unit - The Code which seems to be the first done as it expands more on the dubious moral of the Simon Yam character (although he does have a different name than in the movie) and contrasts it against a veteran cop trying to be honest. Pretty decent stuff.
someone still watches Hong Kong cinema, old AND new? Thanks.
I saw Tactical Unit - The Code which seems to be the first done as it expands more on the dubious moral of the Simon Yam character (although he does have a different name than in the movie) and contrasts it against a veteran cop trying to be honest. Pretty decent stuff.
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Beat TG
- Pedicab Driver
- Posts: 257
- Joined: 07 Sep 2006, 11:09
Word!someone still watches Hong Kong cinema, old AND new? Thanks.
Fist of Legend (1994)
Interesting story where the makers did justice depicting Chinese and Japanese folks (unlike many other movies portraying foreign Asians), where both races have their patriots, allies and traitors. Good enough acting (nothing peculiar) and bts work (the music could've been better played out though as they leave overtonic impressions that doesn't fit in some scenes at all), and the fights (despite the undercranking getting out of hand in some scenes) are still impressive to watch. Rating: 4/5
Full Contact (1992)
Known as the movie with less synonymous relation to Ringo Lam's stylistic movies of choice, probably lesser than Wild Search but slightly more than Prison on Fire 2. Anyways, this one was rough and less melodramatic and I liked what Lam was playing with thematically: revenge, simplistic relationships, dark humor, homosexuality, non-metrosexuality etc.) This drastic change is top-notch. Beside this, we also get treated to action of great variety (guns, knives, hand-to-hand, stunts) as well as great acting from everyone: Chow (meanest role to date), Yam (one of his best roles of this period), Wong, Bridgewater, Fu, and Chin. Rating: 4.5/5
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Markgway
- Bruce Lee's Fist
- Posts: 20194
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I also enjoyed this one.Beat TG wrote:Back Alley Princess (1973)
Not special in most ways but nonetheless very enjoyable and captivating for its tone and setting (gotta love the mood and touches in these old movies). I didn't expect much fun and joy from the lead actress who would otherwise make a typical and attractive female fighter for that time line but all her scenes where she takes advantage of everyone she bumbs into and everything she has in mind with her naughty tricks and fighting skills makes her a very likable character. But other than her, we don't get a whole lot in terms of development and interest from other roles and that itself can be quite a bore. Angela Mao appears mostly for fights and, though she was interesting enough, barely gets anything interesting to do as goes for everyone else. Watch this just for the lead actress and for the fights. Rating: 3/5
The sequel - THE CHINESE ENFORCERS - is pretty lame though.
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thelostdragon
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I do as well, but haven't bothered to post reviews for quite some time now.Knetan wrote:hey,
someone still watches Hong Kong cinema, old AND new? Thanks.
Skinny Tiger, Fatty Dragon - 4/5
It is just impossible for this film to become boring. Karl Maka and Sammo Hung must be one of the finest, yet most unutilized on-screen duo.
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Markgway
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EvaUnit02
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HungFist
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A Chinese Torture Chamber Story (Hong Kong, 1994) – 1,5/5
Credit for the structure – a film long interrogation process = torture in present, sex in flash backs – and for being an enjoyably recognizable piece of classic category III cinema, but other than that A Chinese Torture Chamber Story is quite a dull film with only a handful of real, although admittedly unforgettable highlights.
Credit for the structure – a film long interrogation process = torture in present, sex in flash backs – and for being an enjoyably recognizable piece of classic category III cinema, but other than that A Chinese Torture Chamber Story is quite a dull film with only a handful of real, although admittedly unforgettable highlights.
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HungFist
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diceman
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My expectations were already high, so good thing it'll pay off.HungFist wrote:S&M Hunter (Japan, 1986)
Holy fucking shit! This is what legends are made of. Write more tomorrow when I've recovered from the experience.
But I'm waiting until the next share of DVD-releases of Pink Eiga, so I can get it together with "Tsumugi".
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HungFist
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S&M Hunter (Japan, 1986) – 4/5
Nuns, nunchukus and the man with no name lifted straight from Italian spaghetti westerns is only the beginning of this legendary Shin Toho pink production. Shiro Shimomoto plays one eyed rope fighter who is hired to save a hostage from a sadistic girl gang that kindnaps and rapes handsome young men. Add fantastic soundtrack – that only featutes one single melody – absolutely brilliant dialogue ("I'm a charitable sadist"), and storyline that almost makes sense, and you’ll hardly even get bored during the sex scenes.
Sexy Battle Girls (Japan, 1986) – 2/5
Mirai Asamiya was forced to grow up wearing a chastity belt because her secret weapon already crushed an innocent teacher’s manhood when she was 14 (18 according to Pink Eiga dvd subtitles). Now the time has come to use this same weapon – and a flying dildo – to fight the evil school principal. Sexy Battle Girls is Shin Toho’s attempt to cash in on the popularity of Sukeban Deka II. Unfortunately, with too short running time and too much sex there’s not enough time left for even a thorough rip off. However, the curiosity value remains, the humour is hilarious, and Ichiro Nitta’s soundtrack (that he of course did not score for this specific film) works. Nanno and Akie Yoshizawa also appeared on the original soundtrack, but the new release omits their songs because copy right has finally become reality.
Shoujo Commando Izumi (Japan, 1987-1988) – 3,5/5
Originally planned as Sukeban Deka IV but then departing into a series of its own, how could Toei and Fuji TV outdo their previous achievements and overcome the challenges set by their competitors, such as Nippon TV’s Rebellion League of Girls in Sailor Uniforms? By raising the caliber, and arming the school uniform warrior Izumi (Izumi Igarashi) with a bazooka. Although it must be noted that, to the disappointment of many, the light anti-armor weapon is only used in a couple of episodes, with Izumi’s bracelet and inhuman powers given to her by a mysterious organization that kidnapped her two years ago being her primary weapon. The series has a dynamite start with more pyrotechnics applied to the first few episodes than most Toei action films of the time. Igarashi also delights with both her singing skills and her willingness to do far more of her own stunts and fighting than you’d expect from an idol. However, one should prepare for the show losing some of it’s kick after the amazing opening episodes and following rather familiar patterns at the expense of commando action. Overuse of slow motion also hurts the action. But obviously even with its flaws Shoujo Commando Izumi is a must for fans of 80’s Toei high school action.
Nuns, nunchukus and the man with no name lifted straight from Italian spaghetti westerns is only the beginning of this legendary Shin Toho pink production. Shiro Shimomoto plays one eyed rope fighter who is hired to save a hostage from a sadistic girl gang that kindnaps and rapes handsome young men. Add fantastic soundtrack – that only featutes one single melody – absolutely brilliant dialogue ("I'm a charitable sadist"), and storyline that almost makes sense, and you’ll hardly even get bored during the sex scenes.
Sexy Battle Girls (Japan, 1986) – 2/5
Mirai Asamiya was forced to grow up wearing a chastity belt because her secret weapon already crushed an innocent teacher’s manhood when she was 14 (18 according to Pink Eiga dvd subtitles). Now the time has come to use this same weapon – and a flying dildo – to fight the evil school principal. Sexy Battle Girls is Shin Toho’s attempt to cash in on the popularity of Sukeban Deka II. Unfortunately, with too short running time and too much sex there’s not enough time left for even a thorough rip off. However, the curiosity value remains, the humour is hilarious, and Ichiro Nitta’s soundtrack (that he of course did not score for this specific film) works. Nanno and Akie Yoshizawa also appeared on the original soundtrack, but the new release omits their songs because copy right has finally become reality.
Shoujo Commando Izumi (Japan, 1987-1988) – 3,5/5
Originally planned as Sukeban Deka IV but then departing into a series of its own, how could Toei and Fuji TV outdo their previous achievements and overcome the challenges set by their competitors, such as Nippon TV’s Rebellion League of Girls in Sailor Uniforms? By raising the caliber, and arming the school uniform warrior Izumi (Izumi Igarashi) with a bazooka. Although it must be noted that, to the disappointment of many, the light anti-armor weapon is only used in a couple of episodes, with Izumi’s bracelet and inhuman powers given to her by a mysterious organization that kidnapped her two years ago being her primary weapon. The series has a dynamite start with more pyrotechnics applied to the first few episodes than most Toei action films of the time. Igarashi also delights with both her singing skills and her willingness to do far more of her own stunts and fighting than you’d expect from an idol. However, one should prepare for the show losing some of it’s kick after the amazing opening episodes and following rather familiar patterns at the expense of commando action. Overuse of slow motion also hurts the action. But obviously even with its flaws Shoujo Commando Izumi is a must for fans of 80’s Toei high school action.
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HungFist
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Why Tsumugi?diceman wrote:My expectations were already high, so good thing it'll pay off.
But I'm waiting until the next share of DVD-releases of Pink Eiga, so I can get it together with "Tsumugi".
I think I need to get New Tokyo Decadence: The Slave myself. At first I wasn't interested in it, but the more I look at the trailer the more I think this film has potential. And it's from the director of Coming Out, which also looks like it might be good.
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gasteropod
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Dumplings: 4/5
Caught this on Film4 last night, and when it started I thought 'oo this has a similar look to Wong Kar-Wai's films', and then 'cinematography by Christopher Doyle' came up
I haven't seen the Three Extremes version, but I read that it has a different ending so I'll have to check that out sometime.
Caught this on Film4 last night, and when it started I thought 'oo this has a similar look to Wong Kar-Wai's films', and then 'cinematography by Christopher Doyle' came up
I haven't seen the Three Extremes version, but I read that it has a different ending so I'll have to check that out sometime.-
diceman
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You haven't watched the trailer, right? Because . . . uhm, Sora Aoi plays a hot Schoolgirl? Don't know, you tell me.HungFist wrote:Why Tsumugi?
Btw. according to Jasper Sharp's "Behind the Pink Curtain" the original title translates to something like: "Uniform Beauty: Shag me Teacher!".
"New Tokyo Decadence: The Slave" I also want to see, but I'm not so sure about "Coming Out". At first been interested in that one, too (for obvious reasons), but the more I look at it, the more awkward it seems. Plus the story doesn't look very rich or promising. If you want a good Japanese Indie-Flick about cute lesbian girls (which doesn't even focus on the sexual aspect so much), get "Love my Life". Wrote something about it here.
Other Pink-Eiga releases I'm interested in are:
- S&M Hunter begins
- Tokyo Booty Nights
- The Suicide Chain (could be "21st Century Girl" in Jasper Sharp's book, I think)
- Semen Demon
- The Strawberries and the Gun
Btw. "Whore Angels" looks like pretty goofy fun. But I'll only target this after I've watched all the other Pinku Flicks I've listed above.
//EDIT:
On second notice, the concept of "Whore Angels" looks more brilliant each time I re-watch the trailer.
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HungFist
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Nice that AV stars are getting "honorable work", but I still don't see anything to get me interested. Yes, I have seen the trailer.diceman wrote:You haven't watched the trailer, right? Because . . . uhm, Sora Aoi plays a hot Schoolgirl? Don't know, you tell me.HungFist wrote:Why Tsumugi?
Btw. according to Jasper Sharp's "Behind the Pink Curtain" the original title translates to something like: "Uniform Beauty: Shag me Teacher!".
Poor acting is my main concern. But otherwise it could be fun and even slightly cute.diceman wrote:the more I look at it, the more awkward it seems
My first impression of that film was "made of plasic". But maybe.diceman wrote:"Love my Life"
Definitely. And The Legend of Yakuza, too. I don't know if the films will be nearly as good as S&M Hunter, but the character of S&M Hunter, as well as the other characters in that film, are so absolutely brilliant that anything related to them deserves a watch.diceman wrote: - S&M Hunter begins
The trailer doesn't convince me. Btw, Tatsumi Kumashiro also made a film about pink film industry, Black Rose Ascension. He used Nagisa Oshima as inspiration for the main character. Unfortunately it is the worst of Kumashiro's over-rated critic pleasers that I've seen. And it even co-stars the unbearable Naomi Tani.diceman wrote: - Tokyo Booty Nights
Yesdiceman wrote: - The Suicide Chain
Il grande silenzio...diceman wrote: - Semen Demon
Looks too hip.diceman wrote: - The Strawberries and the Gun
I'll stick to the Complete Goofydiceman wrote: Btw. "Whore Angels" looks like pretty goofy fun.
I may check out Blind Love, though. The idea sounds good; a blind girl. And the same director's Lonely Cow Weeps at Dawn, which doesn't look good but so many reviews have been amazingly positive, including DVDTimes, that it got me a little bit interested.
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saltysam
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HungFist
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Daydream (Japan, 1964) – 2,5/5
Tetsuji Takechi’s psycho-sexual arthouse film follows the logic of dream. The story begins when a man and a woman meet at the dentist’s office and are given strong tranquilizers. The rest of the film is either reality or hallucinations. He meets her again at a night club but finds out she’s being abused by a high class man. He tries to help her, but the situation turns into a living nightmare. Takechi uses surreal images and especially long takes effectively, but also allows the film to become too long. The Japanese government, in the middle of organizing the Tokyo Olympics and polishing the nation’s image, was reportedly less than happy with large advertising campaign Takechi’s ”disgraceful” movie was given.
Daydream 2 (Japan, 1987) – 1/5
Tetsuji Takechi remade his original, interesting 1964 film a few times. This thoroughly unwatchable sequel, made 23 years later, is one of them. Takechi has basically stretched one sex scene into a feature film, accompanying it with cheap surrealism that serves no purpose. The technical, psychological and political merits of the original are nowhere to be found.
Tetsuji Takechi’s psycho-sexual arthouse film follows the logic of dream. The story begins when a man and a woman meet at the dentist’s office and are given strong tranquilizers. The rest of the film is either reality or hallucinations. He meets her again at a night club but finds out she’s being abused by a high class man. He tries to help her, but the situation turns into a living nightmare. Takechi uses surreal images and especially long takes effectively, but also allows the film to become too long. The Japanese government, in the middle of organizing the Tokyo Olympics and polishing the nation’s image, was reportedly less than happy with large advertising campaign Takechi’s ”disgraceful” movie was given.
Daydream 2 (Japan, 1987) – 1/5
Tetsuji Takechi remade his original, interesting 1964 film a few times. This thoroughly unwatchable sequel, made 23 years later, is one of them. Takechi has basically stretched one sex scene into a feature film, accompanying it with cheap surrealism that serves no purpose. The technical, psychological and political merits of the original are nowhere to be found.
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HungFist
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Whisper of the Heart (Japan, 1995) – 3,5/5
Enjoyable Studio Ghibli film slightly hurt by overlength. Only having seen a handful of Ghibli productions, it would seem to me that their non-fantasy movies – such as this – are often their best.
Real Onigokko (Japan, 2008) – 3/5
Tsubasa Sato (Takuya Ishida) wakes up in a parallel world where all people with the surname Sato are being hunted down and killed on the streets by ”monsters” – masked killers hired by the dictator emperor that rules the new, slightly futuristic and gothic Japan. Made with a modest budget but with plenty of imagination Real Onigokko is a refreshing action-horror-sci-fi hybrid. Although not exceptionally well photographed, there’s several visual stand out moments when the masked killers – equipped with trackers and wearing dark helmets with gloomy red eyes – chase the main character around Tokyo. Shuffle (1981) type of exhausting intensity is never quite reached, though. The main problems are those with the logic – which fails as many times as you bother to question it – and performances. Although not terribly acted, none of the cast members – Mitsuki Tanimura included, I’m afraid – make an impression.
Enjoyable Studio Ghibli film slightly hurt by overlength. Only having seen a handful of Ghibli productions, it would seem to me that their non-fantasy movies – such as this – are often their best.
Real Onigokko (Japan, 2008) – 3/5
Tsubasa Sato (Takuya Ishida) wakes up in a parallel world where all people with the surname Sato are being hunted down and killed on the streets by ”monsters” – masked killers hired by the dictator emperor that rules the new, slightly futuristic and gothic Japan. Made with a modest budget but with plenty of imagination Real Onigokko is a refreshing action-horror-sci-fi hybrid. Although not exceptionally well photographed, there’s several visual stand out moments when the masked killers – equipped with trackers and wearing dark helmets with gloomy red eyes – chase the main character around Tokyo. Shuffle (1981) type of exhausting intensity is never quite reached, though. The main problems are those with the logic – which fails as many times as you bother to question it – and performances. Although not terribly acted, none of the cast members – Mitsuki Tanimura included, I’m afraid – make an impression.
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APPINESS
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The Eye 10 2/5
What a stupid horror movie. I'm not sure if the Pang Brothers were trying to spoof their previous films or not. The Eye 2 was extremely dark so this was a bit of a surprise.
One of the silliest bits is when a ghost possesses one of the characters and makes him do some break dancing. And It's also good to know that your farts and breath can scare ghosts away.
The worst of the eye films, but I haven't seen the American version yet.
King Boxer 4/5
What a great film. I can't believe it took me so long to see it. On the DVD it was said this film was as influential as the big boss. I'm not sure if it’s better than the big boss, what do you guys think?
I just love it when his hands glow and the Ironside music starts up.
What a stupid horror movie. I'm not sure if the Pang Brothers were trying to spoof their previous films or not. The Eye 2 was extremely dark so this was a bit of a surprise.
One of the silliest bits is when a ghost possesses one of the characters and makes him do some break dancing. And It's also good to know that your farts and breath can scare ghosts away.
The worst of the eye films, but I haven't seen the American version yet.
King Boxer 4/5
What a great film. I can't believe it took me so long to see it. On the DVD it was said this film was as influential as the big boss. I'm not sure if it’s better than the big boss, what do you guys think?
I just love it when his hands glow and the Ironside music starts up.
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HungFist
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Star of David (Japan, 1979) – 2,5/5
- https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... &start=328
Karaoke Terror (Japan, 2003) – 3,5/5
https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... php?t=5136
The Key (Japan, 1959) – 2/5
In some aspects Kon Ichikawa’s film is 40 years ahead of it’s time, but still loses much of its interest before the closing act. Tatsuya Nakadai plays a young doctor who joins a jealosy game played by his poor girlfriends parents.
Rapeman 2 (Japan, 1994) – 2,5/5
The less than politically correct super hero returns. This sequel, however, is not as well written as the original. There’s also a darker bit in the storyline around halfway that feels out of place in such an easy going film. Otherwise the same old mix of comedy and great characters (nice guy Hiroyuki Okita as the hero, and Sakae Umezu as uncle Shotoku) works.
- https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... &start=328
Karaoke Terror (Japan, 2003) – 3,5/5
https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... php?t=5136
The Key (Japan, 1959) – 2/5
In some aspects Kon Ichikawa’s film is 40 years ahead of it’s time, but still loses much of its interest before the closing act. Tatsuya Nakadai plays a young doctor who joins a jealosy game played by his poor girlfriends parents.
Rapeman 2 (Japan, 1994) – 2,5/5
The less than politically correct super hero returns. This sequel, however, is not as well written as the original. There’s also a darker bit in the storyline around halfway that feels out of place in such an easy going film. Otherwise the same old mix of comedy and great characters (nice guy Hiroyuki Okita as the hero, and Sakae Umezu as uncle Shotoku) works.