Reviews written by Terence Lee
-
Sex Beyond The Grave (Hong Kong Version)
1 people found the following helpful
April 22, 2006 Good film marred by lame midsectionThis movie was a big hit in the cinemas when it was first released in 1984 grossing around HK$3.26million. So I expected
a lot from it. It starts promisingly enough with an atmospheric World War 2 setting in which a beautiful singer is raped by a Japanese general and her husband & son killed before her very eyes. A worse fate awaits her when she is raped and killed by the owner of the house where she seeks refuge. So the setting is set for a revengeful ghost which should be very fierce. As it turns out, the mid-section of the film becomes unintentionally funny due to lame special effects. Imagine if you can the ghost as blue animation ala Ghostbusters and her dead son in the fridge happily eating food. Anthony Liu Yung is underutilised playing the role of a professor cultivating mushrooms. The actress playing his wife is even worse as her face often registers zero emotion despite encounters with the ghost. So the weight of the whole movie falls on Ku Kuan Chung's shoulders. I would dismiss the movie as mediocre if not for the exciting finale which somehow redeems it. So I will say a VCD-only release is justified and the film worth seeing for the shocking opener involving a double rape murder and the explosive finale involving an explicit sex scene between the female ghost and an obviously completely nude Ku Kuan Chung.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Heroes of Sung
Heroes of Sung DVD Region 3
(4)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
April 22, 2006 The DVD/VCD From Hong Kong Is UncutI bought the DVD from Hong Kong and both scenes that were cut on the Singapore VCD are intact in the HK version. So you can see the scene where Lo Lieh seduces a nude Jessie Li and also the spectacular final scene in which charismatic actor Chen Chun playing the villain is hacked into two. This scene alone is worth the price of the DVD. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sinful Adulteress (Hong Kong Version)
April 22, 2006 This is an excellent movie!Do not be misled by the title into thinking this is just another sexploitative film. Chen Ping is a sinful adulteress not by choice but forced by circumstances. Of worthy mention is charismatic actor Chen Chun who plays the man who causes her downfall. Liu Hui Ling bares all for the first time in a Shaw movie and frankly I was surprised. Everything gels together so well to produce a first-rate film that deserves a DVD release. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Corpse Mania (Hong Kong Version)
April 21, 2006 Short but uncutThis Celestial VCD is uncut although the running time is short. You can see maggots crawling over nude bodies. There is even frontal female nudity so purists be warned. I especially like the marvellous twists in the plot that no one will be intelligent enough to guess. Tanny Tien Ni acts against type here as the aging owner of a brothel and I must say I have never seen her so effective. Again, Celestial should have released this on DVD so that the night scenes will be clearer. Good production values and very atmospheric thriller. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Haunted Tales (Hong Kong Version)
April 21, 2006 I can't believe my eyes!The story with Chang Shen is so gory especially the part when his whole hand is ground to a pulp! I couldn't believe my eyes. That scene is so bloody! I actually bought this VCD for the Ling Yun/Ching Li story. Although I could guess the outcome of the plot, it is still entertaining and both Ling Yun & Ching Li put in their usual polished performances. Whatever the plot's shortcomings, these 2 seasoned stars will elevate the film to a higher level and that is what they do here. This should have been on DVD. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Sword And The Lute (Hong Kong Version)
The Sword And The Lute (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$15.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:April 21, 2006 More star power in Part 3There are more stars in part 3 of Temple Of The Red Lotus. In addition to Wang Yu, Chin Ping and Fung Bobo which are the regulars, this movie is beefed up with extra stars like Lily Ho, Margaret Hsing Hui (in helpless mode) and Yueh Hua. Of course guest star Ivy Ling Po as Scarlet Maid is still around with more screen time. In fact she opens the movie all dressed in white playing the lute and singing a melancholy tune. She is also in the movie's highlight doing a few somersaults and using the sword to........
I shall not reveal the plot. It may spoil your enjoyment of this movie.
By the way, why has Celestial not released The Twin Swords which was Part 2 of Temple Of The Red Lotus?Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Pursuit Of A Killer (Hong Kong Version)
Pursuit Of A Killer (Hong Kong Version) VCD
(2)Our Price: US$8.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
April 19, 2006 Bold and innovativeAn unforgettable scene is when Lo Mang eats a lizard in one take. It is real as you can still see the tail squirming in his hands after he has chewed it. Another highlight is Lo Mang having sex with a prostitute and treating her like a rag doll. This film approaches new wave HK cinema with its bold and innovative approach. Realism is the order of the day. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Pink Tears (Hong Kong Version)
Pink Tears (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$15.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:April 19, 2006 Absolutely unforgettableIt was on the set of this movie that Ling Yun & Julie Yeh Fung fell in love in real life. You can feel the chemistry between them. This was Ling Yun's first Shaw film and I have never seen him this young and fresh. The plot is heartbreaking and will make you weep. The title song will remain in your mind long after the movie is over thanks to Tsin Ting's superb singing. This movie is absolutely unforgettable. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
March 9, 2006 Mona Astounds With Heartfelt Delivery
Mona Fong is very wellknown as a film producer. In fact nearly all of the Shaw movies now released on Celestial DVDs have her credited as Producer. I have never been impressed by her singing talent.....until this CD. I have only previously heard her version of "The Wedding" which I thought was passable but which I immediately branded as not definitive.......a cover version. In this CD, Mona astounds me with a most heartfelt delivery of the Julie Yeh Fung song "Wan Xia". She sings it slower but invests a lot more feeling and nuance in it. There are many beautiful ballads here, some from the Shaw films. The haunting theme song from My Dreamboat is here as well as the unforgettable songs from "River Of Tears" and "When The Clouds Roll By". I will have to say that this is the first Mona Fong CD that truly does her justice. Listen and be converted, like me. You will become a Mona Fong fan. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
March 9, 2006 80s Recordings Given A New Lease Of Life
If you had bought the 3 albums that Tsin Ting recorded for Wing Hang in the 80s and had been disappointed with the poor sound and the tweaked speed to make her sound younger, fret no more as Wing Hang has released a limited edition black disc compilation of her best songs. This time around, the speed has been corrected and the sound remastered so that Tsin Ting sounds like herself again. Wing Hang has removed the annoying reverb/echo from her vocals and pushed the cleaned-up vocals upfront where she belongs so that she shines in the spotlight just as she did during her EMI tenure.
Her voice is no longer lost and buried in the mix. So do pick this CD up and marvel at the beauty of her voice as Tsin Ting is simply the best of the legendary Chinese singers!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Ghost Lovers (Hong Kong Version)
March 5, 2006 Not thrilling enoughInitially, the pacing is too deliberate and it taxes your patience. However lovely Asian Movie Queen Li Ching delivers the goods with another creditable performance. Lin Wei Tu is good in the lead role. He should have been given more opportunites to shine at Shaw studio given his able performance here. I too would have loved this on DVD but after viewing the movie, I have to say it is a nice small movie which justifies its VCD-only release. Film picks up towards the end and becomes a worthwhile watch. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sexy Playgirls (Hong Kong Version)
Sexy Playgirls (Hong Kong Version) VCD
(2)Our Price: US$9.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 5, 2006 Misleading title for fine dramaI was also put off Lui Kei after viewing some of the bad movies he directed for Shaw Brothers. But this one is an exception. I picked this VCD up as it stars Asian Movie Queen Li Ching in a rather bold role. After watching it, I must say that Celestial should have released it on DVD. This is above average drama and certainly not sexploitation as the misleading title will have you believe although Chen Ping was caught peeling off her clothes in a bathroom scene. Li Ching kept her clothes and dignity on and shone in her role with able support from Lin Wei Tu and Tsung Hua.A delightful find! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
It's All In The Family (Hong Kong Version)
It's All In The Family (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(3)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
March 5, 2006 A superior family dramaThis is an ensemble film blessed with a good plot. The central character is well played by Danny Lee and he is ably supported by Ivy Ling Po who plays his caring sister-in-law, Ling Yun, who plays his brother and Ai Ti who plays his illfated lover. Of special mention is the presence of 40s & 50s EMI Pathe songbird Kong Chiu Hsia in her only Shaw role playing the caring mother to perfection. I spotted Malaysian songbird Sakura in a nightclub sequence belting in her distinctive husky tones. There is an interesting subplot involving Wong Yu and Yuen Man Tzu who plays the "baby" of the family. Although I would have loved to see my favourite Ivy Ling Po in more scenes, I must say that the few that she appeared in were very effective and she inhabits her role with her customary flair and brilliance. Not to be missed, this drama was underrated during its original release in 1974. Pick this DVD up and spend a rewarding 87 minutes with a family you will never forget. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
When The Clouds Roll By
When The Clouds Roll By DVD Region 3
(4)Our Price: US$14.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:February 19, 2006 Great title songI just want to comment that the title song is a very good and famous one and it is sung well by Mona Fong. In the movie, Chiao Chiao as a guest star, plays a nightclub performer and lipsynchs it to perfection. Since this is Ching Li's first starring role, I had expected to see an insecure actress. But she was really good in the role, ably supported by Yang Fan. Pan Ying Tze's skill to slip into different roles is praiseworthy (I dislike her very much after seeing this movie). This is a decently made drama, not the best from the Shaw stable but one worth seeing. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The 14 Amazons (Hong Kong Version)
The 14 Amazons (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(7)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:January 11, 2006 Ivy Ling Po Steals The Show!This is the movie everyone is waiting for. In the cast are so many top stars......there are 2 Asian Movie Queens Ivy Ling Po & Li Ching, Lisa Lu, Lily Ho, Tina Chin Fei, Wang Ping, Betty Ting Pei, Wang Chin Feng, Karen Yip, Liu Wu Chi, Shu Pei Pei, Tsung Hua, Lo Lieh, Paul Chin Pei, Yueh Hua, etc. To Ling Po's credit, she steals the show as Mu Kuei Ying with her tough yet sensitive portrayal of the legendary lady warrior. This classic really lives up to its status and if you are a fan of the Shaw films, you can't afford to miss this one. Celestial has again cast its magic on an old film and transformed it into something quite magical. The picture quality is astounding and even much better than when I first saw it in 1973. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The 14 Amazons (Hong Kong Version)
The 14 Amazons (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(7)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
January 11, 2006 A Classic That Lives Up To Its Status!This movie has in its cast 2 Asian Movie Queens Ivy Ling Po & Li Ching, Lily Ho, Lisa Lu, Tina Chin Fei, Betty Ting Pei, Shu Pei Pei, Karen Yip, Wang Ping, Wang Chin Feng, Yang Ai Hua, Ting Hsi, Tsung Hua, Yueh Hua, Paul Chin Pei, Lo Lieh, etc. So its release has been highly anticipated. Celestial has remastered well and the picture quality is even better than it was in 1973. I remember the length as 128 minutes then. So it disturbs me that Celestial's running time is only 117 minutes. After watching it, it disappointed me that several key scenes have been edited. Frames have been cut as well resulting in reduced impact. Ivy Ling Po's voice is no longer her own. Was the soundtrack damaged? Despite all these flaws, I can safely shelve all three versions that I have on videotape as this Celestial dvd is the one I will be watching from now on. Ivy Ling Po stands out among the cast for her tough yet sensitive performance of Mu Kwei Ying. This Asian Movie Queen continues to amaze with every Celestial release. She deserves the Professional Achievement Award given to her at the launch of this dvd in Hong Kong on 6 Jan 2006 by WIFTI (Women In Film And Television International), Hong Kong chapter. Bravo Ivy! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Pathe 100: The Series 28 - Ming Ri Zhi Ge
Pathe 100: The Series 28 - Ming Ri Zhi Ge
(4)Our Price: US$12.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:January 11, 2006 Quintessential Tsin TingI have been waiting for this cd a very long time. It contains all the famous songs from the Shaw movies sung to perfection by Tsin Ting who was really the singing voice behind Shaw actresses like Lin Dai, Betty Loh Tih, Li Ching, Lily Ho and many others. The selection of songs is perfect thanks to Richard Tay and the remastering is brilliant thanks to Robin Cherry in UK. I am surprised at the inclusion of 2 super-rare tracks from the Singapore "Ruby" label. That release on 45 vinyl had purposely slowed down Tsin Ting's voice to pass her off as Betty Loh Tih. Robin has corrected the speed here so that Tsin Ting sounds like herself again. So put on the cd, close your eyes and let Tsin Ting's melodious voice transport you back to the 60s and the magic of the Shaw movies that you have always loved. This is indeed worth waiting for......a cd to cherish. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Everlasting Regret (Hong Kong Version)
Everlasting Regret (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All
(7)Our Price: US$10.99Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
January 5, 2006 Everlasting DisappointmentThis movie was highly anticipated as its production values are excellent and the director has captured the essence of life in Shanghai with marvellous costumes, sets, props and music. However I spent the most boring 2 hours of my life trying to figure out the plot and why the female lead Sammi Cheng has a blank expression on her face the whole movie. Everyone else eclipses her with their acting be it Hu Jun, Tony Leung or even Daniel Wu. Sammi sleepwalks through the entire movie without any expression giving this movie a hollow core because ultimately the movie is about her character. And because you don't care for her character, you don't care for the plot. You simply wait for the movie to end and just admire the beautiful sets and costumes. Now I know why this movie did not receive any Golden Horse nominations although I found out too late after buying it. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Best Of Hui Brothers Show
Best Of Hui Brothers Show VCD
(2)Our Price: US$12.80List: US$14.00Save: US$1.20 (9%)Related promotions:December 31, 2005 So bad it's good!This compilation really transports the viewer back in time when Sam Hui was a young handsome pop prince who could do no wrong. There is an amusing song and dance sequence featuring a young longhaired Frances Yip and Sam both lipsynching to ALL I EVER NEED IS YOU. The dance choreography is terrible and as a wise friend comments, Frances & Sam cannot dance to save their lives. It's so bad, it's good! For this sequence alone, I would recommend this vcd set. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Song Of Tomorrow (Hong Kong Version)
Song Of Tomorrow (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(4)Our Price: US$15.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:December 16, 2005 Ivy Battles Husband's Drug AddictionIvy Ling Po plays a nightclub singer in this groundbreaking movie that was simply ahead of its time in the 60s. How many movies in that era dare to deal with drug addiction? For her role, Shaws spared no expense and specially commissioned a lavish wardrobe for her making her look her most beautiful ever during her Shaw tenure. The 3 songs in the movie are excellent and have become classics. They are however not karaoke staples as you need to have a good voice with a wide range to sing them. This is especially true of the inspiring title song "Song Of Tomorrow". Ably supported by Chiao Chuang as her husband and real-life husband Chin Han as his best friend, Ivy Ling Po gives one hell of a performance as a sensitive, caring and loving wife deetermined to fight the drug scourge. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
Bookmark & Share