Too Many Ways To Be Number One (1997)

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Posted on July 31, 2003 by Alison

This debut directorial effort from Wai Ka Fai, better known as Johnnie To’s scriptwriter is offbeat to say the least. Lau Ching Wan bumbles around as a small-time gangster who couldn’t get any smaller, led on by his friends, or at least the other small-time triads he hangs out with. There are some other fascinating performances, notably Ruby Wong as the wife (or widow?) of a business partner who wants her share, and takes it out of Ching Wan’s body. … (read more)

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Truth or Dare: 6th Floor Rear Flat (2003)

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Posted on July 31, 2003 by Eugene

Truth! (After all, it is pretty impractical for me do a dare over this interweb thing – well at least a decent one)

So did I enjoy this one? You betcha. If nothing else it was a breath of fresh air from the romantic comedies out of HK that I have been blessed with seeing recently. But it’s not just purely situational that makes me recommend this film. After all, you have to appreciate such a star vehicle that incorporates … (read more)

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Vertical Ray of the Sun (2000)

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Posted on July 31, 2003 by Ching Yee

Vertical Ray of the Sun is indeed like its namesake, akin to a shaft of the morning sun [for me anyway], delicate, fresh and inspiring.

Many such allegories can be made about the characters and feel of Tran Anh Hung’s films [Scent of a Green Papaya, Cyclo]. One tends to use these superlatives to describe all his films because it’s the strongest element in all his films and the one that leaves the deepest impression.

The lush … (read more)

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Witch from Nepal (1985)

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Posted on July 31, 2003 by Alison

One of the best things about Hong Kong filmmakers is that they keep doing the unexpected. And who else, I ask you, would make a film that spends 90 minutes on testicles?

The testicles in this case are an enchanted pair strung on a necklace and kept as a sort of sacred talisman by a Nepali tribe. When evil threatens, and the master is killed, the second in command, fortunately enough a beautiful young woman, takes the testicles to the … (read more)

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Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams (1990)

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Posted on July 31, 2003 by Alison

For starters, I’d have to say that Martin Scorsese doesn’t so much star as appear briefly, but I expect his name had to appear prominently in order for the film to be considered for the Globes (I’m not suggesting any bias, lordy lordy no). And when he does appear, he’s not that impressive.

Okay, sledging aside, I can now review the movie. And a fine movie it is too: Kurosawa uses childhood memories, Japanese traditions, and his own moral views … (read more)

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Wuxia Fiction: Key Inspiration for HK Action Films

Posted on February 4, 2000 by Spike
… (read more)
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