The Top Ten according to Chow Yun Chan
1. THE KILLER
One of the best god dam films ever made. The Killer flawlessly combines violent, energetic gun battles with a storyline that could win many an Oscar. Both Chow Yun Fat and Danny Lee give great performances.
2. FROM BEIJING WITH LOVE
I'm not a big fan of Hong Kong comedy but this film really makes me laugh. I can watch it over and over again (and I have) and still utter a few chuckles here and there. But what makes this film really great are the slick and at times violent action scenes.
3. POLICE STORY
Great martial arts, dangerous stunts and a shopping mall fight that never gets boring. Need I say more?
4. STORM RIDERS
If you thought that Hong Kong Films were low budget then you'd better watch this one.
Storm Riders has fighters of superhuman resolve duking it out in the most spectacular and entertaining ways. Hong Kong Fantasy cinema has been given a rebirth.
5. ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA 2
With the assistance of wires Jet Li showcases some of his best work. Donnie Yen also stars and the two of them duke it out once or twice. Tsui Hark has also shot the film beautifully.
6. DR WAI IN THE SCRIPTURE WITH NO WORDS
One of the earliest Hong Kong films I ever saw but it still exists within my favourites. Jet Li executes some extraordinary martial arts and the whole thing has an Indiana Jones appeal.
7. A BETTER TOMORROW
While not being as action packed as its predecessors this film is a true classic that should not be missed. The storyline is great and what little action it does have is also great. These two elements combine to make one of John Woo's best films.
8. HARD BOILED
Out of all of John Woo's films this one has the highest body count, the most gun battles and generally the most action. If the storyline was a little better then it would be perfect but because it ain't it must stay all the way down here in the number eight position.
9. FIST OF LEGEND
Now here's a film that goes against everything I stand for: sped up action. However there are a fair number of slow mos and the music that accompanies each fight is nice to listen to. The storyline is also very good.
10. CITY ON FIRE
Director Ringo Lam is known for his great stories. This film really does verify that reputation. Both Chow Yun Fat and Danny Lee demonstrate great acting skills. If there was more action it would be awesome but what little action this film does have is okay.
7 Dec 2000 © Chow Yun Chan
CHOW YUN CHAN is a
senior in high school who currently lives in Adelaide. His hobbies include
watching movies and developing web sites. His main genre of film is
Japanese Anime, but Hong Kong Action still has a special place in his
heart. He has made his own Hong Kong Action site under the pseudonym of
Chow Yun Chan so that he can express his opinions on the wonderful world
of Hong Kong Cinema. Visit Chow Yun
Chan's Hong Kong Action for more!
