Reviews written by Peter Rootham-Smith
-
Games Gamblers Play (DVD) (Digitally Remastered) (Hong Kong Version)
Games Gamblers Play (DVD) (Digitally Remastered) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All
(1)Our Price: US$13.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 28, 2009 A promising startComedy about small-time conmen in 1970s Hong Kong cheating the public, the gang bosses, and each other as they gamble their way through life.
Notable as laying the ground for the classic Hui brother films to follow. A lot of the ideas in here turn up in later films - the life-threatening game show for instance turns up in "The Contract". In this film Michael Hui's brothers play second fiddle, in later films their roles are more developed.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
92' The Legendary La Rose Noire
92' The Legendary La Rose Noire DVD Region All
(5)Our Price: US$12.49Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:March 28, 2009 Comedy of the absurdAn unsuccessful writer involves herself, a scatty friend (the funny Teresa Mo,) and a smarmy cop, with treacherous gangsters and the semi-retired reclusive caped crusaders of a previous generation. Screwball comedy with many references to old Cantonese film and opera.
If one's familiar with the original source material then this film is amusing on one level. If one isn't (like me) it still works as an example of HK film-making, and the bits of Cantonese opera and retro-film come over as wonderful touches of madness. There's also in this richness a borrowing from "Delicatessen" (the bed spring scene.)Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
All About Women (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
March 22, 2009 Great use of SFXTsui Hark uses his cleverness, and smart SFX, to let us see into the minds of the characters in this fun film. This for me transformed a typical rom-com into a wondrous work of cinema. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Mushishi (DVD) (English Subtitled) (2-Disc Deluxe Edition) (Taiwan Version)
Mushishi (DVD) (English Subtitled) (2-Disc Deluxe Edition) (Taiwan Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$37.99Related promotions:November 16, 2008 Slow gentle elegyThis isn't for everyone, there are rough edges, but there is a patient different magic here. If you can wander at a sedate pace rather than rush through then there is much to wonder at. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Zatoichi ((DVD) (Standard Edition) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version)
Zatoichi ((DVD) (Standard Edition) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(21)Our Price: US$44.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:November 16, 2008 Talent at workThis is a great movie. Sound plays a key part in the film, appropriately given the lead character. Rolling dice, workers in a field, the tap-dance finale - nicely done. Violent as one should be expecting, but there's depth here too. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Always - Sunset on Third Street (Normal Edition)(Japan Version - English Subtitles)
Always - Sunset on Third Street (Normal Edition)(Japan Version - English Subtitles) DVD Region 2
(3)Our Price: US$45.75Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:November 2, 2008 100% cinemaThis is a film I'm happy to recommend to everyone. It is a winner on three fronts.
Firstly the characters are nicely drawn and acted - the drama ranges from comedy to pathos. Once cares and understands for those depicted in this heart-warming film.
Secondly a period in time is captured here. When fridges were new and marvellous (but putting the man delivering ice out of business.) When TV was a treat to watch. When coca cola was a suspicious invader into the diet.
Lastly there are moments of pure transcendental cinema - the ending particularly speaks so powerfully but does not use words.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
Showing: 1-6 of 6 items
Page:
1
United States - English
Bookmark & Share