Reviews written by born1960
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Phoenix From The Ashes (Ep.1-40) (End) (Hong Kong Version)
Phoenix From The Ashes (Ep.1-40) (End) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All
(1)Our Price: US$76.99Related promotions:December 20, 2008 All class , highly engagingBeautiful to look at, first class production, engrossing story and great cast especially Petrina Fung. She had the presence, subtle nuances and skillfully controlled emotional range expected of a capable veteran actor and her presence was felt from beginning to end even in scenes where she did not appear in. She did well in one or two tricky dramatic moments that might have been embarrassing in the hands of a less skilful actor. All the other characters are also engaging with the exception of Kristy Yang who I felt could have given her role a bit more oomph, none the less she is forgiven simlpy because she was so beautiful and in every scene looked so classy.
One of two holes in the plot and towards the end they tried a bit too hard to squeeze the last bit of juice out of the lead roles…., still highly recommended series.
A word of warning don’t read the synopsis on the back cover if you don’t want the plot spoiled.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Ma Wing Ching (Vol.1-20) (End) (US Version)
December 10, 2008 EntertainingSolid entertainment , despite one or two holes the plot moves along nicely, good characters though slightly underdeveloped perhaps that is why the performances lacked that special magic that could have lifted it out of being just good to being truly memorable. The girl in the ridiculous riding pants just looked plain silly. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Laugh In The Sleeve (Ep.1-25) (End) (China Version)
October 12, 2008 Double MichelleOne of the more convincing acting roles where one actor (Michelle Yim) plays two different characters (as opposed to lesser actors where we feel its one actor just wearing a different costume), well done Michelle. Good viewing especially for Michelle fans and I always like Nora Miao. Despite the ridiculous melodramatic ending still worthy of a look. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
All's Well End's Well (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
All's Well End's Well (DVD) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All
(11)Our Price: US$10.99Related promotions:October 5, 2008 Brings tears to my eyes.I absolutely agree with most of the reviews this movie is hilarious. Slapstick movies can be touch and go disastrous, but this one is one of the best thanks to a good script and the wonderful pairing of Leslie and Teresa Mo, they are gems as are Sandra Ng and the two “oldies”. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Legendary Fok (Ep.1-20) (End) (US Version)
The Legendary Fok (Ep.1-20) (End) (US Version) DVD Region All
(4)Our Price: US$50.15List: US$55.99Save: US$5.84 (10%)Related promotions:August 31, 2008 Legendary What?This series is pedestrian, a legend without spark. Apart from the first few episode where Tung Bill and the likes injected a bit of life into the show the rest was just a 9 - 5 job, everybody did their job, resonably well, but lacking in enthusiasm. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Gone With The Wind (Part 3) (Vol.52-76) (End)
Gone With The Wind (Part 3) (Vol.52-76) (End) DVD Region All
(3)Our Price: US$42.60List: US$43.99Save: US$1.39 (3%)Related promotions:August 25, 2008 Melodrama galoreWhat on earth has happened! The nice unfolding of the story exemplified in the first 2 box sets has suddenly switched into B Grade melodrama. We all know from the title of this series that it is not all smooth sailing but lightening coming out of a clear blue sky is a bit much. There are times when I cringe to myself when the contrived melodramatic plot almost turn into a total farce…but somehow, and a lot is attributed to the endearing characters established in the first 2 box sets, some of these awkward moments still manage to be touching. With this sort of thin material you can really separate good actors, who manage to pull the wool over our eyes, from the shaky actors who is left stark naked, hard to watch. Though the landing was a bit rough after more than 70 episodes it felt good to be home Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Young's Female Warrior (Part II) (End)
Young's Female Warrior (Part II) (End) VCD
(3)Our Price: US$29.92List: US$31.50Save: US$1.58 (5%)Related promotions:August 25, 2008 Entertaining version of these famed women.I like this version of the Yang's saga very much, it has good flowing plot tinged with action, a nice range of emotions from the comical to the sad, touching, suspenseful...but it is the contrast between the light hearted and the poignant moments that lifts this series above others in this genre…. woman dresses as man playing man (which makes the whole Yangs family including the "son" to be all female) woman dresses as man playing woman, man dress as woman , not to mention a eunch.
The actress who plays Pai Fung is outstanding, contrasting well with Fung Bo Bo and the forever wooden Sharon Yang. I always like Fung Bo Bo playing boy roles, but must agree with one of the other reviewers that her constant pouting is a bit too much…I thought Lisa Wang could have made more impact in her important role and Shek Sau is as usual a little too wimpy.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Blowing in The Wind (Part 1) (To Be Continued) (Hong Kong Version)
Blowing in The Wind (Part 1) (To Be Continued) (Hong Kong Version) VCD
(1)Our Price: US$44.63List: US$45.99Save: US$1.36 (3%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:August 22, 2008 Good StuffThough this series is about gangsters the first box sets focus more on their comradeship rather than action scenes and getting out of sticky situations. The pace is leisurely, at times you think it is actually happening in real time, a week feels like a week but this is all good as it is all quality. The two brothers with their contrasting personalities make a very effective and likeable pair. Brother #2 Chen Kuan Tai’s acting is at times a little awkward and clumsy but somehow this suits the role, adding charm to his portrayal of the tough rogue with a heart. It is the wonderful dynamics between all the actors, not only the two brothers in the lead but their gang members, friends and family which make this surprisingly leisurely series very good viewing.
Ma Min Er doesn’t have much on screen time in this first box set but she is without doubt one of the best actor of the time, giving an understated charismatic performance, conveying a great deal in her brief appearances and because the story is told in retrospect we can expect a lot more of her later, intrigued to find out how she ends up as Chen’s wife.
The seedy streetscapes of Hong Kong are captured with realism; rubbish on the streets, poorly maintained buildings. The quality of the print in first half is poor though somehow this give the film the feel of an old documentary, but all of a sudden the colour improves towards the end.
Beware the last box set is out of print and unavailable… still I am tempted to purchase the second set.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Dragon Inn (Remastered Version)
August 22, 2008 Remake of a classic not quite a classicA brave attempt at a remake of this classic of the 60s, the movie that popularized rekindled the popularity of the martial arts genre. While the fights scenes are now technically more sophisticated (love the choreographed battle with Brigitte in the opening) as you would expect, clever occasionally breathtaking wireworks replacing the few strategically placed trampolines in the original movie, this remake somehow lacks the tension that was created by the great characterizations in the original movie, the truly frightful and “invincible” eunuch, tense and long silent pauses punctuates fights scenes, the final battle one of the longest (appears to be ) and most suspenseful duel in any movie of this genre.
As wonderful as Maggie and as entertaining as was I felt she was somehow a bit out of place in this movie, the male lead also a little wimpy ,though Britgitte looks fantastic as usual dressed as a man. The unexpected ending I feel is a bit of a cop out. Despite all this it’s a good story, the humble Inn in the middle of nowhere that was transformed during the course of a week into the center of a political battleground, like the sand in the dessert the brief encounters quickly swept away.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Swordsman II (Remastered Version)
June 28, 2008 One of the BestWithout doubt one of the best film in the martial art /fantsy genre...visually stunning, great characterisation by Brigette Lin as Asia Invincible...sad poignant in parts, (Candce On has a nice minor part too). Greatplay between action/suspense and comedy...and some really creepy parts. The duel between the feminine , needles and the masculine, claws is a classic...I like this genre of movie where females are often as powerful as their male counterpart. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Gone With The Wind (Part 2) (Vol.27-51) (To Be Continued)
Gone With The Wind (Part 2) (Vol.27-51) (To Be Continued) DVD Region All
(1)Our Price: US$42.60List: US$43.99Save: US$1.39 (3%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:June 22, 2008 Good Solid ViewingThe drama continues , in this middle section the plot thickens. The actors handled the transition from teenage to maturity and from maturity to old age convincingly. Every character from main to supporting has an interesting story, almost seamlessly woven together, the acting is wonderfully understated.
Amongst the younger characters Ma Min Er shines in this mid section , her relationship her father and with her brother played by Leslie Cheung is at times quite touching. Amongst the older characters, father Car / Boss no 3 is convincing portraying the fragility of old age, also consistently solid, poignant and comical is the actor who plays Brother Year / Lien Gor.
My mother who In her 80s prefering the fast pace of the latest ATV drama finds this a bit slow, though she is at times also captivated by it. I personally prefer the slower leisure cruise to the fast and noisy speed boat. Its good solid viewing...but I didn't realise when I bought the first box set as a "trial" viewing, that every supplier I have contacted has sold out of the 3rd and final Part...so i guess i am left hanging in the air....mmmm
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Gone With The Wind (Part 1) (Vol.1-26) (To Be Continued)
Gone With The Wind (Part 1) (Vol.1-26) (To Be Continued) DVD Region All
(1)Our Price: US$39.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:June 4, 2008 Strangely CaptivatingIf you like the 80's ATV dramas this is a good one. I like it for nostalgic reasons. The first box set is set in the 60s period when I was still in Hong Kong .Tere are footages from news about the demonstrations and the "pineapples" in the street, stories I vaguely remember though did not comprehend at the time and the politicalclimate that prompted our family to migrate to Australia. These are the shows that occupied our passtime as a family , young and old and kept us in touch with the Hong Kong culture.
I like the laid back pace of this series, the fact that it is going to be long journey makes me just want to sit back and enjoy the expereince, even though the pace is leisurely this first box set is strangely captivating, every characters from main to small parts are amiable everyday people not grosely exaggerated for the sake of melodrama. A good sign of a good series is that you care about what happens to each and everyone of the players. Looking forward to the second set.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Justic Pao (Vol.1-9) (End) (US Version)
April 10, 2008 A little gemNice production, beautiful sets costumes and fine acting all round, good script, as there are not many episodes in the series the epic quality of other more lengthy productions is lacking, but as a little gem its is thoroughly enjoyable.... as usual Michelle Yim thoroughly captivates us to the end as her story unfolds. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Fated Love (DVD) (End) (ATV Drama) (US Version)
Fated Love (DVD) (End) (ATV Drama) (US Version) DVD Region All
(4)Our Price: US$78.99Related promotions:February 12, 2008 Great Stuff....almostGreat story, all the actors were wonderful , beautifully paced not rushed but yet emotionally gripping ...but as good looking as Ma Ching Tao is I felt he lack Umph! Carrie Ng was particularly impressive , versatile in showing us the diverse range of emotion Amy Chan was lovely and steady... most of the minor roles were outstanding. which makes for wonderful viewing every minute of the show. Unfortunately the last few episodes dived into sensationalism, the plot was unbelievable , gone are the intrigue and slow unfolding of the story... the emotional scenes contrived and B grade laughable, under these conditions I felt sorry for the actors who tried so hard to get us feel for them with melodramatic dialogs in such a phony settings.... the phone rang during the final half hour I answered it without even pushing the pause button. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Heaven's Retribution (Ep.1-20) (End)
Heaven's Retribution (Ep.1-20) (End) VCD
(10)Our Price: US$55.67List: US$65.99Save: US$10.32 (16%)Related promotions:January 26, 2008 Good StuffGreat story, great acting, rarely am I glued to the television especially the beginning from the Cultural revolution, and the new beginnings in Hong Kong.....however the meticulous script well thought out plot became too rushed towards the end cheap thrills and at times B grade melodrama. Fortunately it didn't disintegrate totally into a typical "Hollywood" ending.
I never realized Felix Wong is such a versatile actor , only having seen him in the Condor Heroes...appearing only after the suburb performances from the veterans in the beginning of the series he carried the series through to the end...the pairing with Yvonne Yung is also quite special, comical and touching.
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Coincidentally (Vol.1-30) (End) (US Version)
Coincidentally (Vol.1-30) (End) (US Version) VCD
(1)Our Price: US$47.55List: US$51.99Save: US$4.44 (9%)Related promotions:December 15, 2007 pleasantThe female actors look great in their period costumes and acted well despite the "make it up as you go" plot, for this they get all the stars. Although there are some nice ideas in the relationships between the ghosts and the living these are not explored with much imagination... the storyline is full of holes. The male leads are all wimpy so there was no intensity or tension in the romance or the drama...so its a bit worrying when I really didn't care who ended up with who or whether the good guy triumphs over the bad ....in fact I had no inclination to even watch the last episode and still haven't. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Light of Million Hopes (C) (Ep.41-60) (End) (US Version)
Light of Million Hopes (C) (Ep.41-60) (End) (US Version) VCD
(1)Our Price: US$47.55List: US$51.99Save: US$4.44 (9%)Related promotions:September 8, 2007 SatisfyingThe long series comes to a conclusion but the plots have a few loose ends..where the relationships in the earlier parts are more thoroughly explored they are rushed and brutally chopped up towards the end.
Fung Bo Bo with her great screen presence still manages to pull together these short comings to a satisfying ending.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Light of Million Hopes (B) (Vol.21-40) (To Be Continued) (US Version)
Light of Million Hopes (B) (Vol.21-40) (To Be Continued) (US Version) VCD
(1)Our Price: US$51.03List: US$57.99Save: US$6.96 (12%)Related promotions:August 25, 2007 goodness continuesIf you are hooked on this family drama after the first 20 volumes, you'll probably overlook the loose plots that permeates the stories and enjoy the dramatic interaction which the family faces. But this kind of story telling can be expected from Hong Kong tv series... short cuts to get plot moving and capture the audience one episode after another.So many people happen to be at the right place at the right time one would think that Hong Kong is just one square in size.
Petrina continues to give an outstanding performance along with all the other female actors and there are plenty of strong women characters in this story, all the men are wimps. The strong family bond created by the characters makes one care about whats happening in their lives. It is also good to see that relationships between older generations, not just young blossoming love given a lot of attention in this series.
Watch out the theme songs keep going around in your head for days. Looking forward to the last 20 volumes.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Duke of Mount Deer (End) (Uncut Edition) (English Subtitled) (TVB Drama)
The Duke of Mount Deer (End) (Uncut Edition) (English Subtitled) (TVB Drama) DVD Region All
(6)Our Price: US$110.00Related promotions:2 people found the following helpful
August 14, 2007 Cup of teaI enjoyed this series tremendously when it first came out but subsequent viewing... a year ago....mmmmm....I wondered what I saw back then...the last viewing found Tony Leung's performance aggravating...perhaps I'm getting a bit old for this style of acting. Not my cup of tea anymore. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Light of Million Hopes (A) (Vol.1-20) (To Be Continued) (US Version)
Light of Million Hopes (A) (Vol.1-20) (To Be Continued) (US Version) VCD
(1)Our Price: US$50.89List: US$57.99Save: US$7.10 (12%)Related promotions:August 14, 2007 captivatin but can it last?The pairing of Fung Bo Bo and Wu Mei Yi as wife No 1 and 2 is certainly very unusual and quite ingenious, their on screen chemistry is captivating, funny and touching... all the veteran actors (and the children) are great, they hold the series together. With such a fast, powerful and epic beginning to this long drama how can anyone not watch the next 40 discs. I pray they can sustain the momentum.
The footages of Hong Kong from the 50s to the 70s edited into the story add a touch of reality and immediacy to the drama. Off course I am biased to this drama... it is set in my era...bringing up fond memories of Hong Kong before immigrating in the late 60s.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
United States - English
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