The Big Heat (Hong Kong, 1988) – 3/5
Ever seen a Hong Kong police splatter? This Johnnie To / Andrew Kam actioner comes close to earning that honor a few times. Waise Lee does decent job in the lead, but the film’s pace is a bit too hectic to allow the viewer the get a hold of much anything. However, the soundtrack is stylish (the same theme later re-used in All About Ah-Long), Lee cool as hell in sunglasses, and the action finale totally insane. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore.
- dvd / Deltamac
My Heart is That Eternal Rose (Hong Kong, 1989) – 4,5/5
Patrick Tam’s heroic bloodshed masterpiece can take repeated viewings with an ease. While the action is limited to a handful of violent but satisfying bursts it’s the storyline and glamorous visuals lensed by Wong Kar Wai collaborator Christopher Doyle and David Chung that raise the movie far above average crime dramas. The lead couple Kenny Bee and Joey Wang are both good, only overshadowed by Tony Leung Chiu Wai’s terrific performance as a small time triad errand boy falling in love with the gangster’s lady.
- dvd / Mei Ah
The Outlaw Brothers (Hong Kong, 1990) – 3,5/5
Brothers James and Bond steal cars and play with the cops in Frankie Chan’s charming action comedy. The mixture of first grade martial arts and unexpectedly good romantic comedy is supported by stylish soundtrack and plenty of eye candy; Ferrari’s, Porche’s, Sheila Chan (miss Hong Kong runner up), and the show stealing Yukari Oshima who provides excellent moves throughout the film. The japanese supporting cast is completed with Yukari Oshima, who doesn’t get to do much hand fighting but has a very impressive moment with a machine gun.
- dvd / HKL