City on Fire (Hong Kong, 1987) – 3,5/5
Ringo Lam’s classic is a mixed bag. The scrip is in a need of polishing with some unnecessary side plots, and Lam is often in a too much hurry to make the characters very approachable. More characterization for the leads wouldn’t hurt. Acting isn’t always that good, either. What the film really succeeds in is being a hard boiled heist thriller.
The brutal action sequences are masterfully executed, and the main character is well crafted. Chow Yun Fat’s small time punk turned undercover cop is not quite the heroic gentleman he’s used to playing. Lam interestingly blurs the line between good and bad, duty and brotherhood.
- dvd / HKL
Itsuka dareka ga korosareru (Japan, 1984) – 3/5
Noriko Watanabe stars in this enjoyable but non-remarkable Kadokawa idol film. The mystery story is heavy on dialogue but Noriko sings, Noriko drives a motorcycle, and Noriko looks generally good. Directed by Yoichi Sai (Blood and Bones).
- dvd / Kadokawa
Akira (Japan, 1988) – 4,5/5
What is there left to say about this film? Akira is simply one of the most influential movies ever made, a scifi pic in the league of Blade Runner. Impossible not to appreciate.
- dvd / Geneon