Reviews written by Kevin Kennedy
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Inside The Forbidden City
Inside The Forbidden City DVD Region 3
(6)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:March 13, 2007 Excellent huangmei drama"Inside the Forbidden City" is based upon a couple of the stories told in the Chinese novel "Sanxia wuyi", attributed to the 19th century storyteller Shi Yukun and drawn from a much older storytelling tradition. It features the righteous Magistrate Bao; this movie really belongs to the actor who plays Bao. Unlike many huangmei operas, this is not a romance, but a crime-solving drama, in which Magistrate Bao uses his boundless imagination to draw a confession from one of the evil characters.
Ling Po, who appears primarily in the first half of the movie, gives yet another strong performance, with several wonderful songs. Indeed, the entire cast is superb, the production values are up to the standards we expect from Shaw Brothers, and the music -- while less frequently heard than in the typical huangmei film -- is very pleasant.
YesAsia's description of this film incorrectly states that the movie opens with Ling Po in a cave made up to look elderly. Actually that is Ouyang Sha Fei, playing Imperial Mother Li.
I very highly recommend this movie. For English readers, an excellent translation of these stories can be found in "Tales of Magistrate Bao and His Valiant Lieutenants" by Susan Blader, published by The Chinese University Press.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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The Magnificent Butcher (Hong Kong Legends) (US Version)
The Magnificent Butcher (Hong Kong Legends) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(1)Our Price: US$8.99List: US$9.99Save: US$1.00 (10%)Related promotions:March 13, 2007 For Yuen Woo Ping fansImagine an episode of the Three Stooges punctuated by a violent sexual assault, three brutal murders, and lots and lots of jaw-dropping kung fu. That, in a nutshell, is "The Magnificent Butcher." Recommended for fans of martial arts movies. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
All About Ah Long (DTS Version) (Digitally Remastered) (Joy Sales Version) (Hong Kong Version)
All About Ah Long (DTS Version) (Digitally Remastered) (Joy Sales Version) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All
(2)Our Price: US$14.49Related promotions:March 12, 2007 Thoughtful & well-acted dramaThis film captures Johnnie To, Chow Yun Fat, and Sylvia Chang at important points in their careers. Mr. To was just emerging as an important director, Chow was becoming a preeminent leading man, and Chang was beginning to tackle the behind-the-scenes stuff for which she now is known. This convergence of talents produced an effective melodrama about two adults grappling with the consequences of their long-lost love.
Chow, Chang, and the child actor who plays their son all are brilliant in their roles. Chow appears to be a man frozen in time, still wearing the hair and clothes that were popular ten years earlier when Chang left him. Chang has become a more superficial professional woman. We see them grow and change through the course of this movie; it is a pleasure to see these two skilled actors give such unsparing performances.
In the interview with producer Raymond Chow that is a part of this DVD, Mr. Chow says that the motorcycle racing scene at the end of the movie was inserted because Hong Kong viewers would demand to see action in a Chow Yun Fat movie. Unlike other reviewers posting here, I believe that this decision was unfortunate because it brings the movie to a forced and very manipulative conclusion.
Apart from this caveat, I highly recommend this movie.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Buddha's Palm
March 11, 2007 "Buddha's Palm" rocks!In order for a movie of this kind to work, the director and cast must throw themselves into their roles with abandon, holding nothing back. If anyone plays it safe, then the entire project will look like a bad joke. In Buddha's Palm, director Taylor Wong and a stellar cast create screen magic by playing their parts with absolute conviction. The results are thrilling, eye-popping, and absolutely hilarious. Particularly brilliant is Lo Lieh, who takes a break from his familiar menacing bad guy roles to work some comic genius here. Watch this film for the sheer joyous, mad, entertaining pleasure of it! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sister Long Legs (Hong Kong Version)
Sister Long Legs (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$10.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 11, 2007 Thoroughly charming filmHave you ever had a smile on your face from start to finish of a film? Well, I did, when watching this charming little gem of a comic romance. The gorgeous Julie Yeh and impish Lin Cui once again are a joy to watch, and, as always, are surrounded by the excellent stable of Cathay supporting actors. I laughed out loud when Lin's character was asked to name her favorite actress; she replied, "Lin Cui!" And she just might be my favorite, too. There's never a dull moment in this warm-hearted wonder. Very, very highly recommended. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
My Name Ain't Suzie
My Name Ain't Suzie DVD Region 3
(6)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:March 11, 2007 Gritty realistic talePat Ha is terrific and is supported by an excellent supporting cast in this depiction of the world of prostitution in Hong Kong. The film effectively shows how girls get lured into prostitution, then struggle to find a way out. Ha's determination to seek a better life, in the face of a series of disappointments, keeps the film from becoming too grimly depressing. Highly recommended. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Duel Of Fists
March 11, 2007 Chang Cheh does ThailandDi Lung gives one of the best of performances of his early years in this tale of a Thai kickboxer and his long-lost brother. David Chiang, sporting some of the most far-out duds you'll ever see, complements Di well. Big chunks of the movie essentially are a travelogue of Thailand circa 1973, but they are fascinating to see. Even better are the scenes that so effectively depict the world of Thai kickboxing. It is clear to the viewer that Di Lung took these scenes very seriously; he performs very convincingly. One of my favorite Shaw Bros. actresses, Jing Li, is here, but is given little to do other than look worried. The movie climaxes with Chiang and Di taking on a small army of thugs and, naturally, whipping them. The scene comes to a laughable conclusion with roughly a dozen police cars driving up, the police being told by Di that the guy Chiang has just beaten to a bloody pulp is a murderer, and the police hauling the bloody thug away without another word. No investigation, no questioning of Di or Chiang, nothing. That's some fine police work! Highly recommended for Di Lung's performance, for Chiang's groovy gear, and for the interesting depiction of the kickboxing milieu. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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The Lizard
The Lizard DVD Region 3
(4)Our Price: US$14.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:March 10, 2007 Fast-paced caper classic"The Lizard" is a lightweight, but very well-constructed, tale of a beloved Robin Hood-style character. Connie Chen is a revelation here as a high-kicking cutie and Lo Lieh plays another of his patented supremely evil roles to perfection. The story zips along and entertains throughout. The filmmakers end the film with a scene of great carnage, which seems an odd choice for this essentially comic movie. Highly recommended. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Temple DVD Region 3
(8)Our Price: US$16.49Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:March 10, 2007 Well told familiar storyIt's a familiar story: Young men seek to gain admission to Shaolin Temple to learn the skills they need to avenge the wrongs they've suffered. When they eventually are admitted, they don't see the wisdom behind the tasks they are assigned, until they gradually perceive that they indeed are acquiring the skills they sought. This film has a huge cast of famous stars who are adept at carrying off these kung fu roles. An interesting plot twist is the presence of a turncoat among the Shaolin monks who works to engineer the downfall of the temple. Endless scenes of very impressive martial arts skills highlight this kung fu classic. The bittersweet ending left me wondering whether the filmmakers intended to make a sequel. Recommended for all martial arts fans. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
A Century Of Japanese Cinema - Heat Wave (Hong Kong Version)
A Century Of Japanese Cinema - Heat Wave (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$10.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 9, 2007 Exceptionally beautiful filmIn simplest terms, "Heat Wave" tells the story of a professional gambler's attempts to win back the family business that her younger brother had gambled away. Higuchi Kanako is ravishingly lovely in the lead role and richly deserved the "best actress" award she won for this film. She commands the screen throughout the movie. I suspect the movie was shot on a fairly small budget, but the cinematography throughout is superb, a real treat for the eyes. The first forty-five minutes of the film are more tawdry than is necessary to serve the story. My only other gripe is the presence of chanbara legend Tatsuya Nakadai in a major role. If you enjoy his work, then you will like him here. I find him to be a hammy over-actor. Don't let that steer you away from this film. I highly recommend it. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (Hong Kong Version)
Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$12.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 8, 2007 Hilarious action comedy"Sailor Suit and Machine Gun" is a hugely entertaining tale of how a high school girl becomes the boss of the world's most woeful Yakuza gang and leads it to glory. The film grabs your attention right from the chaotic opening frames and never lets go. The young actress who plays the lead role has the perfect combination of wide-eyed innocence, determination, and savvy to carry it off. Fans of Juzo Itami's films will love this one. Very highly recommended. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Legend Of The Bat
Legend Of The Bat DVD Region 3
(4)Our Price: US$14.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:March 7, 2007 Clueless sequel"Clans of Intrigue" is an entertainingly gaudy overstuffed comic book of a movie. Its sequel, "Legend of the Bat", is just as gaudy, but is saddled with a nonsensical story, bad special effects, and thoroughly disposable characters. I have now watched it twice and, believe me, it doesn't get any better with repeated viewing. Skip this one and stick with "Clans of Intrigue"! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Fearless (DVD) (Unrated Edition) (Widescreen) (US Version)
Fearless (DVD) (Unrated Edition) (Widescreen) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(2)Our Price: US$12.99List: US$14.98Save: US$1.99 (13%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 4, 2007 Well-told familiar tale"Fearless" resembles some of the old school martial arts movies, like Gordon Liu's "Martial Club," in a tale of a brash young fighter who gets punished for his arrogance, then comes back wiser and stronger. The story moves along briskly and the film looks great. My one minor quibble is that I wish they had not bothered with the computer-enhanced fight sequences. The old-fashioned fight sequences are so strong that the computer-enhanced stuff is needlessly distracting. Highly recommended for martial arts fans. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Curse Of The Golden Flower (Hong Kong Version)
Curse Of The Golden Flower (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(11)Our Price: US$17.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:3 people found the following helpful
March 4, 2007 Stunningly beautiful filmZhang Yimou pulled out all the stops in making one of the most ravishingly gorgeous movies I've ever seen. The plot is a tale of palace intrigue so complex that I didn't fully understand it until I heard Chow Yun Fat describe his character in the "Making of..." extra feature on this DVD. The acting performances in this film are riveting. I can give this movie no higher compliment than this: I'm eager to watch it again. Very highly recommended. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Infernal Affairs (US Version)
Infernal Affairs (US Version) DVD Region 1
(22)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$14.99Save: US$1.00 (7%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 4, 2007 Taut and suspenseful thrillerTony Leung, Andy Lau and Eric Tsang all are at the top of their game in this intricate, edge-of-your-seat tale of undercover cops and robbers. My only gripe is that the characters played by Kelly Chen, Sammi Cheung, and Elva Hsiao are given too little screen time; their characters are too thin to have any real life. They exist just to develop some of the backstory for the lead characters. However, this is a minor quibble. "Infernal Affairs" is a state-of-the-art thriller and I highly recommend it. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
March 2, 2007 Easy on the ears
Mona Fong knows her voice and realizes its full potential on this lovely set of songs. Fong lacks great range, so takes a simple, unfussy approach in her singing. The key to her success lies in the warmth and sincerity of her voice. She never tries to do too much with a song, but instead breathes life into each with perfect phrasing and bell-like clarity. I imagine that songwriters were thrilled to have Miss Fong sing their tunes! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Shoe Fairy (Hong Kong Version)
1 people found the following helpful
March 2, 2007 Bright moral fable"The Shoe Fairy" is a quirky and visually vivid, but rather slight, moral tale about discovering that one finds true happiness not in self-involvement and materialism, but in sharing and caring for others. The film presents some arresting, often humorous, images, but falls short on dramatic tension and narrative drive. Indeed, forty-five minutes into watching this movie I was debating whether to continue or to find some other way to occupy my time. I stuck with the film and was rewarded with a satisfying resolution. Credit must be given to Vivian Hsu and Duncan Chow for the sincerity and simplicity with which they approached their characters. Recommended for its originality and message. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Sword Stained With Royal Blood
The Sword Stained With Royal Blood DVD Region 3
(7)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:February 23, 2007 This is martial arts heaven!"Sword Stained With Royal Blood" has some of the most stupendous martial arts fight scenes you will ever see. Heck, even when you just see Guo Zhui practicing, it is worth the price of the movie.
I have downgraded the movie a bit because much of the story's exposition occurs in a series of narrated flashbacks, thus robbing the movie of any real suspense. But don't be discouraged.
Once the protagonists square off for yet another fight scene, the movie becomes absolutely electric. What is most amazing is how long many of the shots go on. There are some fight sequences in which the fighters make more than a dozen different moves before the camera cuts to a different angle. These were phenomenal acrobats and martial artists!
Guo Zhui rules and this movie is highly recommended.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Temple Of The Red Lotus
Temple Of The Red Lotus DVD Region 3
(5)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:February 22, 2007 Rating upgradeI watched "Temple of the Red Lotus" for a third time and now I must admit that I underestimated it in my previous review. Perhaps one of my problems with this film is that the English subtitles aren't great. It took a while for the story to sink in; it actually is a bit more complex and interesting than the typical martial arts movie. I still have to maintain that the film moves at quite a slow pace and the fight scenes are unspectacular by the standards set in subsequent Shaw Bros. movies. Nonetheless, I now can recommend this movie. However, be aware that the ending of the film leaves everything unresolved. If you buy this, you also will want to purchase the sequel. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Nagasaki Bura Bura (Hong Kong Version)
Nagasaki Bura Bura (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$17.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:February 20, 2007 Deeply moving story"Nagasaki Bura Bura" is a deftly-told drama of an aging geisha struggling to find something to which she can hold as her world swiftly changes. The performance of lead actress Sayuri Yoshinaga is elegant and unforgettable. Forget the fakery of "Memoirs of a Geisha". Watch this film to gain real insights into the world of the geisha. Very highly recommended. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
United States - English
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