Dreaming

This time, my (relatively) concise thoughts on Hong Kong flicks: Written by, ICAC, The Shootout, My Life As McDull, Koma, and Eye In the Sky.


Written by
Directed by Wai Ka-fai, starring Lau Ching-wan, Kelly Lin, Mia Yam, and Jo Koo.

The latest from Wai Ka-fai, which stars the always great Lau Ching-wan, is an excellent film with an ethereal feel. One of the best films of 2009.


ICAC
aka I Corrupt All Cops
Directed by Wong Jing, starring Eason Chan, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Anthony Wong, Alex Fong, Bowie Lam, Wong Jing, Liu Yang, Natalie Meng, and Kate Tsui.

Wong Jing manages a decent film due to an engaging, if underdeveloped, story of the formation of Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption. Chan and Leung lead a top-notch cast of HK actors and actresses, including the woefully underused Kate Tsui.


The Shootout
Directed by Michael Mak, starring Aaron Kwok, Lau Ching-wan, Leung Ka-yan, Fennie Yeun, Ngai Suet, Tsui Kam-Kong.

More comedy than the title would imply, Mak's The Shootout features a wacky story that entertains, mostly thanks to stars Kwok and Lau. An enjoyable time-waster.


My Life As McDull
Directed by Toe Yeun, voiced by Jan Lam, Sandra Ng, and Anthony Wong.

A delightful animated film from Hong Kong about a dim piglet named McDull, and his pushy yet hopeful mother. A thoughtful, fun flick, for kids and adults.


Koma
Directed by Bruce Law, starring Karena Lam, Angelica Lee, Andy Hui, Liu Kai-chi, Annie Mann, and Raymond Wong.

A gripping, intense thriller from dependable HK Director Bruce Law. Lead Actress Lam provides a perfect performance. The quality of the direction and acting highlight an intelligent script.


Eye In the Sky
Directed by Yau Nai-hoi, starring Tony Leung Ka-fai, Simon Yam, Kate Tsui, Maggie Siu, Lam Suet, Eddie Cheung, Ng Ting-yip, and Lai Yiu-cheung.

Hong Kong's Milky Way Image production company is known the world over for its stellar crime flicks. Eye In the Sky is no exception. Yau's film about an HK Police SU (Surveillance Unit) tracking a group of deadly robbers is tense and engaging. With an exciting plot and terrific acting from HK veterans Leung and Yam, as well as (then) newcomer Tsui, Eye In the Sky is a great addition to the HK Crime Genre.


Next time, Drag Me to Hell, and Overheard.