As 2009 comes to a close, I don't really have anything worth mentioning. 2009 wasn't that great film-wise, or otherwise. However, before 2009 ends, here are the last five films I watched this year:
Vengeance
Directed by Johnnie To, written by Wai Ka-fai, starring Johnny Hallyday, Anthony Wong, Simon Yam, Lam Suet, Gordon Lam Ka-tung, and Sylvie Testud; also starring Michelle Ye, Berg Ng, Eddie Cheung, Felix Wong, Law Wing-cheong, Maggie Siu, Stanley Fung, Jo Koo, Elena Kong, and Vincent Sze.
After watching Vengeance for the second time, I still liked it. (If you want my lengthier thoughts on Johnnie To's latest film, check out the previous blog post.)
Split Second Murders
Directed by Herman Yau, starring a lot of Hong Kong actors, co-starring even more Hong Kong actors, with guest stars and special guest stars.
Simply put, Herman Yau's latest film has a large cast. It's also an entertaining film from one of Hong Kong's best directors.
Dracula 3000
One of the worst films ever made. It's such an awful film that I'm surprised it was made. That being said, it's pretty funny after a healthy amount of alcohol.
Blood: The Last Vampire
Having seen the live action adaptation recently, I decided to re-watch the anime original. I'm not going to slam the new film's shortcomings, but the original is better. However, the live action version stars Jun Ji-hyun.
Sisters On the Road
Directed by Boo Ji-young, starring Kong Hyo-jin, and Shin Min-a.
Following the death of their mother, half-sisters Myeong-ju (Kong) and Myeong-eun (Shin) travel together to find Myeong-eun's long-lost father. Throughout the journey, the two must face unresolved feelings of anger toward one-another, as well as their own personal issues.
Like so many other great stories, it's more the journey than the end that really matters. The chemistry between Kong and Shin proves excellent, and their portrayals of disheartened sisters is touching. This was a blind purchase for me, and a pleasant one. Sisters On the Road is one of the better (if not best) films of the year, and a wonderful cinematic experience that I heartily recommend.
Though 2009 provided plenty in film to be disappointed about, I'd like to end things on a positive note. So, thanks to everyone that recommended a film to me, thanks to everyone that joined me in discussing film, and thanks to everyone that listened to me ramble on about films I loved and hated; I sincerely hope that I will be fortunate enough to experience the same in '010.
31 December, 2009
19 December, 2009
Once In A While
Vengeance
Directed by Johnnie To, written by Wai Ka-fai, starring Johnny Hallyday, Anthony Wong, Simon Yam, Lam Suet, Gordon Lam Ka-tung, and Sylvie Testud; also starring Michelle Ye, Berg Ng, Eddie Cheung, Felix Wong, Law Wing-cheong, Maggie Siu, Stanley Fung, Jo Koo, Elena Kong, and Vincent Sze.
Following the brutal murder of his daughter's family, aging French chef François Costello (Hallyday) travels to a hospital in Macau to visit his daughter (Testud). Once there, he promises to avenge her and her deceased family.
Little more than the description provided above is needed for Johnnie To's latest film. Anyone that has seen a To film knows what to expect from the Hong Kong director. Those unfamiliar with his work should know that he is perhaps the greatest crime genre director in the history of cinema.
Read any review from any To crime film and you'll be able to understand what to expect from Vengeance. Loyalty plays a central role, gun-violence is stylish and second-to-none, and the cast (with the exception of Hallyday) is filled with regulars of To and Wai Ka-fai's Milkyway Image production company. What really sets Vengeance apart from To and Milkyway's œuvre is Wai Ka-fai's script.
Prior to Vengeance, To worked almost exclusively without a finished script. Due to the financing deals made for this film, To was required to have a finished script prior to filming. I think this requirement restricted To's creative efforts, resulting in a film that feels almost too familiar. However, the familiarity coupled with Hallyday's character worked.
While many say that Vengeance is a watered-down, "American-ized" version of a true Johnnie To film, I disagree. Vengeance is obviously a more commercialized Johnnie To film, but it does a fine job of blending hints of La Nouvelle Vague with elements of early Akira Kurosawa films (i.e. One Wonderful Sunday, Drunken Angel, Stray Dog) with the aforementioned familiarity of To's previous works.
The final product may not be as indulgent as To's Kurosawa homage, Throw Down, or as tight a film as PTU, but I think it is a fine piece of work from a superb director. That, along with a great cast of Hong Kong mainstays lead by French superstar Hallyday, make Vengeance a good crime film, and a film worth seeing.
Directed by Johnnie To, written by Wai Ka-fai, starring Johnny Hallyday, Anthony Wong, Simon Yam, Lam Suet, Gordon Lam Ka-tung, and Sylvie Testud; also starring Michelle Ye, Berg Ng, Eddie Cheung, Felix Wong, Law Wing-cheong, Maggie Siu, Stanley Fung, Jo Koo, Elena Kong, and Vincent Sze.
Following the brutal murder of his daughter's family, aging French chef François Costello (Hallyday) travels to a hospital in Macau to visit his daughter (Testud). Once there, he promises to avenge her and her deceased family.
Little more than the description provided above is needed for Johnnie To's latest film. Anyone that has seen a To film knows what to expect from the Hong Kong director. Those unfamiliar with his work should know that he is perhaps the greatest crime genre director in the history of cinema.
Read any review from any To crime film and you'll be able to understand what to expect from Vengeance. Loyalty plays a central role, gun-violence is stylish and second-to-none, and the cast (with the exception of Hallyday) is filled with regulars of To and Wai Ka-fai's Milkyway Image production company. What really sets Vengeance apart from To and Milkyway's œuvre is Wai Ka-fai's script.
Prior to Vengeance, To worked almost exclusively without a finished script. Due to the financing deals made for this film, To was required to have a finished script prior to filming. I think this requirement restricted To's creative efforts, resulting in a film that feels almost too familiar. However, the familiarity coupled with Hallyday's character worked.
While many say that Vengeance is a watered-down, "American-ized" version of a true Johnnie To film, I disagree. Vengeance is obviously a more commercialized Johnnie To film, but it does a fine job of blending hints of La Nouvelle Vague with elements of early Akira Kurosawa films (i.e. One Wonderful Sunday, Drunken Angel, Stray Dog) with the aforementioned familiarity of To's previous works.
The final product may not be as indulgent as To's Kurosawa homage, Throw Down, or as tight a film as PTU, but I think it is a fine piece of work from a superb director. That, along with a great cast of Hong Kong mainstays lead by French superstar Hallyday, make Vengeance a good crime film, and a film worth seeing.
15 December, 2009
Walking Too Slow
I've been busy lately. That's the reason I'm giving for not having posted anything on the last 50+ films I've seen. In reality, I've just been too lazy to give any information about the following films. That is, until now.
The Films:
Wings
The Ascent
The Cranes Are Flying
Closely Watched Trains
Swordsman III: The East Is Red
24 Hrs Ghost Story
Mr. Vampire
Mr. Vampire II
Turning Point
On His Majesty's Secret Service
Visible Secret
Victim
The Detective
Battlestar Galactica: The Plan
Stage Fright
The Bride With White Hair
The Bride With White Hair II
Suzhou River
Peacock
Raise the Red Lantern
Eat Drink Man Woman
Claustrophobia
Triangle
Exodus
Memories of Murder
Sympathy For Lady Vengeance
Mother
Thirst
Chaw
Christmas In August
One Fine Spring Day
April Snow
Happiness
Five Senses of Eros
Mismatched Couples
The Seventh Curse
Blood: The Last Vampire
My Dear Enemy
Happy Naked Christmas
My Sassy Girl
Twelve Nights
Mary From Beijing
Walk In
The Tai Chi Master
Accident
Night & Fog
No Boys, No Cry
Handphone
The Chaser
Running Turtle
The Santa Clause 2: The Mrs. Clause
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
The Philadelphia Story
No Regrets For Our Youth
One Wonderful Sunday
Yes, I watched The Santa Clause 2 and 3. I have nieces. Check back soon for my thoughts on a pre-Christmas gift from me, to me; Johnnie To's Vengeance.
The Films:
Wings
The Ascent
The Cranes Are Flying
Closely Watched Trains
Swordsman III: The East Is Red
24 Hrs Ghost Story
Mr. Vampire
Mr. Vampire II
Turning Point
On His Majesty's Secret Service
Visible Secret
Victim
The Detective
Battlestar Galactica: The Plan
Stage Fright
The Bride With White Hair
The Bride With White Hair II
Suzhou River
Peacock
Raise the Red Lantern
Eat Drink Man Woman
Claustrophobia
Triangle
Exodus
Memories of Murder
Sympathy For Lady Vengeance
Mother
Thirst
Chaw
Christmas In August
One Fine Spring Day
April Snow
Happiness
Five Senses of Eros
Mismatched Couples
The Seventh Curse
Blood: The Last Vampire
My Dear Enemy
Happy Naked Christmas
My Sassy Girl
Twelve Nights
Mary From Beijing
Walk In
The Tai Chi Master
Accident
Night & Fog
No Boys, No Cry
Handphone
The Chaser
Running Turtle
The Santa Clause 2: The Mrs. Clause
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
The Philadelphia Story
No Regrets For Our Youth
One Wonderful Sunday
Yes, I watched The Santa Clause 2 and 3. I have nieces. Check back soon for my thoughts on a pre-Christmas gift from me, to me; Johnnie To's Vengeance.
22 November, 2009
Something to Look Forward to: Part Two
Last year I posted a list of films I was excited about. The films were:
Ip Man
Thirst
Red Cliff (Part II)
The Hurt Locker
Shinjuku Incident
Blood: A Butcher's Tale
The River Why
Claustrophobia
Lady Cop & Papa Crook
Painted Skin
Rule #1
Lost, Indulgeance
I have watched all of the films in the list that have been released (Blood: A Butcher's Tale, and The River Why have yet to be released). Of those films viewed, only Shinjuku Incident and Lady Copy & Papa Crook proved to be disappointing. The rest of the films were either good (Claustrophobia, Painted Skin; Lost, Indulgeance; Rule #1), or exceptional (Ip Man, Thirst, Red Cliff Part II, The Hurt Locker).
I would like to encourage people to see all of the films (excluding Lady Cop & Papa Crook, which was an absolute mess of a film), as I think they all have something to offer.
Following up on the aforementioned 2008 post of things I was looking forward to seeing, here are some more films that I'm looking forward to watching.
The Films:
Vengeance
Directed by Johnnie To, written by Wai Ka-fai, starring Johnny Hallyday, Anthony Wong, Lam Suet, Gordon Lam Ka-tung, Simon Yam, Sylvie Testud, Vincent Sze, Eddie Cheung, Berg Ng, Felix Wong, Maggie Siu, Michelle Ye, Law Wing-cheong, Stanley Fung, Elena Kong, and Jo Koo.
What it is:
The latest film from Hong Kong Director, and crime genre maestro, Johnnie To.
Why I'm excited:
A film about vengeance directed by To, with a script by long-time collaborator Writer/Director (and Milkyway Image Production co-founder, along with To) Wai Ka-fai, is enough to get my nerd levels on the rise. Throw in French Actor Johnny Hallyday, with a supporting cast of Milkyway regulars Anthony Wong, Lam Suet, Gordon Lam Ka-tung, Simon Yam, Eddie Cheung, Berg Ng, Maggie Siu, Law Wing-cheong, and HK actors Michelle Ye, Stanley Fung, and Jo Koo; and I can hardly contain my excitement.
When two men such as Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai work together on a crime film after making films like Too Many Ways To Be No. 1, The Longest Nite, Expect the Unexpected, Running Out of Time, The Mission, Fulltime Killer, PTU, Election, and several others; it's hard to imagine the product could be anything but spectacular. To say that I'm just excited about Vengeance would be an understatement.
A Good Rain Knows
(a.k.a.: Season of Good Rain)
Directed by Hur Jin-ho, starring Jung Woo-sung and Gao Yuanyuan.
What it is:
The latest feature film from South Korean Director Hur Jin-ho.
Why I'm excited:
Hur Jin-ho is known for his ability to craft excellent romantic drama. His previous films (Christmas In August, One Fine Spring Day, April Snow, Happiness) are perfect examples of how romance and drama in film should be done. Other than Wong Kar-wai, there isn't a director out there that can capture romance on film as well as Hur Jin-ho.
With his latest film, Hur cast South Korean Actor Jung Woo-sung and Chinese Actress Gao Yuanyuan. Fans of South Korean Cinema may recognize Jung from his works in the films Musa: The Warrior (co-starring Chinese Actress Zhang Ziyi), Mutt Boy, Daisy (directed by Hong Kong Filmmaker Andrew Lau), and The Good, the Bad, and the Weird. Coupled with the terrifically talented Gao Yuanyuan (who has starred in many great Chinese films, including: Beijing Bicycle, Spring Subway, and City of Life and Death), Jung Woo-sung's performance should prove a good one. With these talented leads, A Good Rain Knows could be another great romantic drama from Hur Jin-ho.
The Grandmaster
Directed by Wong Kar-wai, starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai.
What it is:
Wong Kar-wai's film about the exploits of Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man.
Why I'm excited:
After the success of Director Wilson Yip and Actor Donnie Yen's take on Bruce Lee's master, Ip Man, and the fact that a sequel is already in production, one would assume Wong's The Grandmaster would be a sure bet. Assuming the film will be completed, Wong's long-time collaborator Tony Leung Chiu-wai is slated to star as Ip Man.
In addition to Tony Leung Chiu-wai, it's rumored that either Actress Gong Li (long-time collaborator with Chinese Director Zhang Yimou), or retired HK Actress Brigitte Lin, will join the cast of Wong's Ip Man film. It is also possible that both may join the production. Leung, Li, and Lin have all worked with Wong before (Leung in Days of Being Wild, Chungking Express, Ashes of Time, Happy Together, In the Mood for Love, 2046, and Ashes of Time: Redux; Li in 2046, and the Eros short The Hand; and Lin in Chungking Express, Ashes of Time, and Ashes of Time: Redux).
Following Wong's poorly received English-language debut, My Blueberry Nights, a return to Hong Kong Cinema with one of it's biggest stars seems like a no-brainer for the reknowned auteur. Regardless of the cast or the subject, a new film directed by Wong Kar-wai is something to get excited about. A new film directed by Wong Kar-wai, starring Tony Leung Chiu-Wai as the Legendary Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man; that's something to eagerly anticipate.
The Murderer
Directed by Na Hong-jin.
What it is:
The sophomore feature film from South Korean Director Na Hong-jin.
Why I'm excited:
Na Hong-jin's first feature was the incredible thriller The Chaser. After watching The Chaser back in February, I posted: "The Chaser is one of the best South Korean films of the year (2008), and one of the best films of 2008 in general. I don't know what Na Hong-jin's next film will be, but I can't wait to see it, and I'll be watching The Chaser again soon."
I did watch The Chaser again about a month later, and still found it to be an incredibly intense horror-thriller. While the title of Na Hong-jin's next feature is now known, I don't know anything else about it. And, to get excited about the film, I don't need to know anything else. Na's direction of The Chaser was so impressive that I'll watch just about anything he comes out with next.
Ip Man
Thirst
Red Cliff (Part II)
The Hurt Locker
Shinjuku Incident
Blood: A Butcher's Tale
The River Why
Claustrophobia
Lady Cop & Papa Crook
Painted Skin
Rule #1
Lost, Indulgeance
I have watched all of the films in the list that have been released (Blood: A Butcher's Tale, and The River Why have yet to be released). Of those films viewed, only Shinjuku Incident and Lady Copy & Papa Crook proved to be disappointing. The rest of the films were either good (Claustrophobia, Painted Skin; Lost, Indulgeance; Rule #1), or exceptional (Ip Man, Thirst, Red Cliff Part II, The Hurt Locker).
I would like to encourage people to see all of the films (excluding Lady Cop & Papa Crook, which was an absolute mess of a film), as I think they all have something to offer.
Following up on the aforementioned 2008 post of things I was looking forward to seeing, here are some more films that I'm looking forward to watching.
The Films:
Vengeance
Directed by Johnnie To, written by Wai Ka-fai, starring Johnny Hallyday, Anthony Wong, Lam Suet, Gordon Lam Ka-tung, Simon Yam, Sylvie Testud, Vincent Sze, Eddie Cheung, Berg Ng, Felix Wong, Maggie Siu, Michelle Ye, Law Wing-cheong, Stanley Fung, Elena Kong, and Jo Koo.
What it is:
The latest film from Hong Kong Director, and crime genre maestro, Johnnie To.
Why I'm excited:
A film about vengeance directed by To, with a script by long-time collaborator Writer/Director (and Milkyway Image Production co-founder, along with To) Wai Ka-fai, is enough to get my nerd levels on the rise. Throw in French Actor Johnny Hallyday, with a supporting cast of Milkyway regulars Anthony Wong, Lam Suet, Gordon Lam Ka-tung, Simon Yam, Eddie Cheung, Berg Ng, Maggie Siu, Law Wing-cheong, and HK actors Michelle Ye, Stanley Fung, and Jo Koo; and I can hardly contain my excitement.
When two men such as Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai work together on a crime film after making films like Too Many Ways To Be No. 1, The Longest Nite, Expect the Unexpected, Running Out of Time, The Mission, Fulltime Killer, PTU, Election, and several others; it's hard to imagine the product could be anything but spectacular. To say that I'm just excited about Vengeance would be an understatement.
A Good Rain Knows
(a.k.a.: Season of Good Rain)
Directed by Hur Jin-ho, starring Jung Woo-sung and Gao Yuanyuan.
What it is:
The latest feature film from South Korean Director Hur Jin-ho.
Why I'm excited:
Hur Jin-ho is known for his ability to craft excellent romantic drama. His previous films (Christmas In August, One Fine Spring Day, April Snow, Happiness) are perfect examples of how romance and drama in film should be done. Other than Wong Kar-wai, there isn't a director out there that can capture romance on film as well as Hur Jin-ho.
With his latest film, Hur cast South Korean Actor Jung Woo-sung and Chinese Actress Gao Yuanyuan. Fans of South Korean Cinema may recognize Jung from his works in the films Musa: The Warrior (co-starring Chinese Actress Zhang Ziyi), Mutt Boy, Daisy (directed by Hong Kong Filmmaker Andrew Lau), and The Good, the Bad, and the Weird. Coupled with the terrifically talented Gao Yuanyuan (who has starred in many great Chinese films, including: Beijing Bicycle, Spring Subway, and City of Life and Death), Jung Woo-sung's performance should prove a good one. With these talented leads, A Good Rain Knows could be another great romantic drama from Hur Jin-ho.
The Grandmaster
Directed by Wong Kar-wai, starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai.
What it is:
Wong Kar-wai's film about the exploits of Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man.
Why I'm excited:
After the success of Director Wilson Yip and Actor Donnie Yen's take on Bruce Lee's master, Ip Man, and the fact that a sequel is already in production, one would assume Wong's The Grandmaster would be a sure bet. Assuming the film will be completed, Wong's long-time collaborator Tony Leung Chiu-wai is slated to star as Ip Man.
In addition to Tony Leung Chiu-wai, it's rumored that either Actress Gong Li (long-time collaborator with Chinese Director Zhang Yimou), or retired HK Actress Brigitte Lin, will join the cast of Wong's Ip Man film. It is also possible that both may join the production. Leung, Li, and Lin have all worked with Wong before (Leung in Days of Being Wild, Chungking Express, Ashes of Time, Happy Together, In the Mood for Love, 2046, and Ashes of Time: Redux; Li in 2046, and the Eros short The Hand; and Lin in Chungking Express, Ashes of Time, and Ashes of Time: Redux).
Following Wong's poorly received English-language debut, My Blueberry Nights, a return to Hong Kong Cinema with one of it's biggest stars seems like a no-brainer for the reknowned auteur. Regardless of the cast or the subject, a new film directed by Wong Kar-wai is something to get excited about. A new film directed by Wong Kar-wai, starring Tony Leung Chiu-Wai as the Legendary Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man; that's something to eagerly anticipate.
The Murderer
Directed by Na Hong-jin.
What it is:
The sophomore feature film from South Korean Director Na Hong-jin.
Why I'm excited:
Na Hong-jin's first feature was the incredible thriller The Chaser. After watching The Chaser back in February, I posted: "The Chaser is one of the best South Korean films of the year (2008), and one of the best films of 2008 in general. I don't know what Na Hong-jin's next film will be, but I can't wait to see it, and I'll be watching The Chaser again soon."
I did watch The Chaser again about a month later, and still found it to be an incredibly intense horror-thriller. While the title of Na Hong-jin's next feature is now known, I don't know anything else about it. And, to get excited about the film, I don't need to know anything else. Na's direction of The Chaser was so impressive that I'll watch just about anything he comes out with next.
08 November, 2009
Time Is Good
This time, 2 is the magic number, as I share my thoughts on two films. The films: Sam Raimi's Drag Me to Hell, and Alan Mak & Felix Chong's HK-China Co-production Overheard.
Drag Me to Hell
Directed by Sam Raimi, starring Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, and Dileep Rao.
Having already seen Sam Raimi's Drag Me to Hell twice in the theater, I was fairly familiar with the material. For my third viewing of the film I watched the Unrated Version. With the length of the theatrical release and the unrated version being the same, the differences are minor enough to almost be unworthy of mentioning, however, the theatrical version is better. Like the films in Raimi's Evil Dead Series, Drag Me to Hell is a joy to re-watch.
Overheard
Directed by Alan Mak & Felix Chong, starring Lau Ching-wan, Louis Koo, Daniel Wu, Zhang Jing-chu, Alex Fong Chung-sun, Waise Lee, and Michael Wong.
A huge step up from Mak & Chong's previous film, Lady Cop & Papa Crook, Overheard manages to engage and affect despite lacking character depth and focus. Leads Lau, Koo, and Wu give predictably good performances, offsetting the somewhat hollow script. My main complaint would be the lack of focus. Had Mak & Chong tightened up the story and focused more on characters' motives, Overheard could have been one of the top films of the year. Instead, we get a mediocre crime film that provides a decent viewing experience.
Next time, a list of films I'm looking forward to seeing.
Drag Me to Hell
Directed by Sam Raimi, starring Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, and Dileep Rao.
Having already seen Sam Raimi's Drag Me to Hell twice in the theater, I was fairly familiar with the material. For my third viewing of the film I watched the Unrated Version. With the length of the theatrical release and the unrated version being the same, the differences are minor enough to almost be unworthy of mentioning, however, the theatrical version is better. Like the films in Raimi's Evil Dead Series, Drag Me to Hell is a joy to re-watch.
Overheard
Directed by Alan Mak & Felix Chong, starring Lau Ching-wan, Louis Koo, Daniel Wu, Zhang Jing-chu, Alex Fong Chung-sun, Waise Lee, and Michael Wong.
A huge step up from Mak & Chong's previous film, Lady Cop & Papa Crook, Overheard manages to engage and affect despite lacking character depth and focus. Leads Lau, Koo, and Wu give predictably good performances, offsetting the somewhat hollow script. My main complaint would be the lack of focus. Had Mak & Chong tightened up the story and focused more on characters' motives, Overheard could have been one of the top films of the year. Instead, we get a mediocre crime film that provides a decent viewing experience.
Next time, a list of films I'm looking forward to seeing.
31 October, 2009
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.
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.
23 October, 2009
Daily Dealings
This time, Russia and South Korea take center stage, with Grigori Chukhrai's Ballad of a Soldier, and Park Dae-min's Private Eye.
Ballad of a Soldier
Directed by Grigori Chukhrai, starring Vladimir Ivashov, Zhanna Prokhorenko, Antonina Maksimova, and Yevgeni Urbansky.
After single-handedly defeating two tanks, young Russian soldier Alyosha (Ivashov) is given leave to visit his mother (Maksimova) and help fix his family's roof. On his long train trip home, he encounters battle hardened soldier Vasya (Urbansky), himself returning home; and falls in love with beautiful stowaway Shura (Prokhorenko). Both encounters show Alyosha the damage of war, and the hope of a better future.
Ballad of a Soldier is an exceptional film. With a simple story and unexperienced lead actors in Ivashov and Prokhorenko, Churkhrai's World War II film has an honest feel. Though very little warfare occurs onscreen, the horrors of war are felt through the characters situations and outlook on life. More than a love story or just another film about World War II, Ballad of a Soldier is a great example of Soviet Cinema, and one of the finest films I've seen.
Private Eye
Directed by Park Dae-min, starring Hwang Jung-min, Ryu Deok-hwan, and Um Ji-won.
Detective Hong Jin-ho (Hwang) is widely known as a top-notch P.I. When medical student Kwang Su (Ryu) accidentally becomes involved in a murder investigation, he hires Hong to help him find the murderer. With help from his scientist friend Soon-deok (Um), Hong uncovers a series of grisly murders related to a ring of governmental corruption.
Private Eye is a period film, set in 1920, in Seoul, South Korea. The story has a nice build-up of suspense and intrigue, followed by a shocking finale. In addition to good plotting, Park's period-noir has a good supporting cast built around the superbly cast Hwang Jung-min. Hwang's portrayal of Hong as an everyman detective, as well as the peroid setting, helps to set the film apart from contemporary neo-noir. With action, thrills, and a healthy dose of humor, Private Eye is an engaging detective film, and one of the better films of 2009.
Next time, Written by, ICAC, The Shootout, My Life As McDull, Koma, and Eye In the Sky.
Ballad of a Soldier
Directed by Grigori Chukhrai, starring Vladimir Ivashov, Zhanna Prokhorenko, Antonina Maksimova, and Yevgeni Urbansky.
After single-handedly defeating two tanks, young Russian soldier Alyosha (Ivashov) is given leave to visit his mother (Maksimova) and help fix his family's roof. On his long train trip home, he encounters battle hardened soldier Vasya (Urbansky), himself returning home; and falls in love with beautiful stowaway Shura (Prokhorenko). Both encounters show Alyosha the damage of war, and the hope of a better future.
Ballad of a Soldier is an exceptional film. With a simple story and unexperienced lead actors in Ivashov and Prokhorenko, Churkhrai's World War II film has an honest feel. Though very little warfare occurs onscreen, the horrors of war are felt through the characters situations and outlook on life. More than a love story or just another film about World War II, Ballad of a Soldier is a great example of Soviet Cinema, and one of the finest films I've seen.
Private Eye
Directed by Park Dae-min, starring Hwang Jung-min, Ryu Deok-hwan, and Um Ji-won.
Detective Hong Jin-ho (Hwang) is widely known as a top-notch P.I. When medical student Kwang Su (Ryu) accidentally becomes involved in a murder investigation, he hires Hong to help him find the murderer. With help from his scientist friend Soon-deok (Um), Hong uncovers a series of grisly murders related to a ring of governmental corruption.
Private Eye is a period film, set in 1920, in Seoul, South Korea. The story has a nice build-up of suspense and intrigue, followed by a shocking finale. In addition to good plotting, Park's period-noir has a good supporting cast built around the superbly cast Hwang Jung-min. Hwang's portrayal of Hong as an everyman detective, as well as the peroid setting, helps to set the film apart from contemporary neo-noir. With action, thrills, and a healthy dose of humor, Private Eye is an engaging detective film, and one of the better films of 2009.
Next time, Written by, ICAC, The Shootout, My Life As McDull, Koma, and Eye In the Sky.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)