5 comments about The Killer [Region 2].

1. I first got interested in Woo's work after seeing "Broken Arrow" in 1996. I was able to get my hands on a VHS copy of The Kiiler and watched it thinking it would be at least as food as Broken Arrow.
   
   
   
   It wasn't.
   
   
   
   It was ten times better.
   
   
   
   The plot is similar to the Rock Hudson film Magnificent Obsession (although Rock is not an assassin). Chow-Yun Fat is an amazing actor who portrays the title character with great depth and believability.
   
   
   
   But let's get down to why everyone REALLY likes this film: The action scenes are AMAZING. When the shooting starts, all hell breaks loose and you'll probably have to watch the scenes in slo-mo or rewind and watch them again. There is so much going on that it's hard to beleive that anyone would be able to choreograph and film such stylistic and hectic battle scenes, but John Woo does just that.
   
   
   
   My biggest question is, why aren't Woo's Hollywood films just as wild and stylish. Woo's Hollywood work is very good, but why are his Hong Kong features so much better? They seem to be gritty and real whereas his Hollywood features seem to be glossy and watered down.
   
   
   
   No matter. If you like action films, this is one of the best, but be warned. This film is VIOLENT and much of the violence is very graphic, so it's not for everyone.
   
   
   
   Also, sometimes the dialogue seems a bit hammy, but I feel that it may be because of the loss of translation when the film was dubbed in English. If you're able to, watch the original Chinese version with English subtitles. I know it's heard to read while your trying to watch the action, so watch the dubbed version a couple of time to where you pretty much know what's happening and then watch it with the subtitles. The original actors' voices convey much more emotion and intensity.



2. John Woo:you either love him or hate him but there is no way of looking at him except as a force of nature. The Killer was one of Woo's greatest Hong Kong features; long before he came to America and made films such as Face/Off and Mission Impossible 2.
   
   Made on a small budget this film is an homage to the classic action directors of Hollywood. There are shades of Peckenpah and of Scorsese. The films grainy look makes it almost perfect for this genre.
   
   The story of a killer with a penchant for justice and loyalty has been done many times before but Chow Yun Fat and Danny Lee make it their own as the killer and the renegade cop who follows him.
   
   Many have complained about the violence in this film. The film is extremely violent but the violence comes off as campy rather than as serious. When you have two men fighting hundreds it is hard to take anything too seriously.
   
   The disc that I reviewed was the Criterion Collection edition. This edition gives a pristine transfer of the film and has a decently subtitled audio. Beware of editions that have any English dubbing since these editions tend to heighten the camp elements of the story rather than give a true translation of the dialogue. Also note that the Criterion Edition is expensive but you get what you pay for. Some of the lower priced editions of this film are known bootlegs that should be avoided.
   
   The disc contains a commentary track by Woo and producer Terrance Chang and five deleted scenes.
   
   If you can find or afford it this is essential viewing for action genre fans and for fans of purist Hong Kong cinema.



3. I can't even count how many times I've watched this movie. The action is great, but it's the storyline that just blows me away. It's one of my favorite movies of all-time and I totally recommend this to anyone and everyone. If you haven't seen it, make it a priority to check it out at your earliest convenience. I've seen thousands upon thousands of movies and this one definitely sticks out as a killer. ;)



4. I found this movie absolutely horrible--overloaded with gratuitous violence, violence for violence sake. It's for people who enjoy watching people murder people. There were no real characters in this monstrousity of a movie--only killing machine people. No one, that's right, no one was believable. Even the so-called story line--a hitman killing to raise money to enable a blind woman, whom the hitman accidentally blinded, to see, was a farce. Movies like this only raise the potential level of violence in society, make it glorifiable, without the slightest redeeming virtue. This piece of junk is strictly for the serial killer who's looking for inspiration for his next hit. I trashed my copy--I wouldn't even give it to charity because of what it stands for. Do yourself a favor--don't buy terrible heap of garbage!!!!!



5. John Woo is a director who uses a style known as Heroic Bloodshed. The messages of the movies are always in the symbols, not in the story. The movie isn't designed for those who can't look past the violence. The movies are also heavily laced with Protestant Christian themes concerning the souls of his characters, usually exagerrated for the purpose of making them larger than life. For Example: Inspector Tequila in Hard Boiled. He kills, yes. He kills a lot. But the overall message is not the violence, it's that the hero has to do what must be done, that he values the righting of wrongs done to a weaker character. You have to read into Woo films before you can say that they are "Garbage", because if you understand him, they're really not. I'm sorry more people can't enjoy his movies, but sometimes you need to look past the attitude that violence is never the answer. While killing is bad, being dead and allowing others who are above the law (a problem almost alien to the modern Western World) to exploit those who can't help themselves is worse.

1 comments about God of Gamblers 3: The Early Stage (The Remastered Edition) DVD.

1. A good spin off of Chow Yun Fat character from God of Gamblers. Tells the backstory of Ko and Wolf. Overall, it's funny and entertaining. Worth to watch and to add to the collection. Not a bad job from Leon's part.

3 comments about Tragic Hero.

1. I saw this film in the theatre on a Chow yun fat film festival. I found the film very amateureshly written. I know action films suspend belief, but this was ridiculous (a woman gets shot in the head, but dosen't die for about 7 minutes, chow recieves over 30 bullet hits in the filnale, but survives.) The story itself was intriguing, but the gun battles were ver outlandish, and out of place (shing fui on's demise is particularly laughable). I can take many stupid violent films of the eighties (AMerican" Lethal Weapon, HK: Tiger on beat), but this one goes too far. It should have stuck with it's story, and not tried try solely to live up to the better tomorrow body count. Danny Lee has a particularly good cameo.



2. I want to know the languages it has mandarin.



3. I want to know the languages it has mandarin. Is audio track has the Chinese(Mandarin)?

3 comments about Tragic Hero.

1. I saw this film in the theatre on a Chow yun fat film festival. I found the film very amateureshly written. I know action films suspend belief, but this was ridiculous (a woman gets shot in the head, but dosen't die for about 7 minutes, chow recieves over 30 bullet hits in the filnale, but survives.) The story itself was intriguing, but the gun battles were ver outlandish, and out of place (shing fui on's demise is particularly laughable). I can take many stupid violent films of the eighties (AMerican" Lethal Weapon, HK: Tiger on beat), but this one goes too far. It should have stuck with it's story, and not tried try solely to live up to the better tomorrow body count. Danny Lee has a particularly good cameo.



2. I want to know the languages it has mandarin.



3. I want to know the languages it has mandarin. Is audio track has the Chinese(Mandarin)?

3 comments about The Greatest Lover.

1. Ok, so this isn't "My Fair Lady" however it is definitely very similar. Chow Yun-fat is awesome as Locomotive Fat/Nelson Chow and Anita Mui is awesome as his trainer Anita. While most people aren't used to Chow Yun-fat as a comedian, they're really missing out here. By the way, this is the longest comedy ever made by Chow Yun-fat himself, nearly 2 hours long!!! I highly recommend this movie on a rainy night or while on a romantic date!!!



2. Movie was good in the beginning for a used DVD even if purchase as new. Halfway into movie, picture kept on freezing. My opinion don't buy any DVD unless in English.



3. Don't let the title fool you guys. In my opinion it is Chow's most under rated movie of all time. The only thing with this movie is that it helps to know the chinese culture and ideas to understand some of the humor (yeah you gwai-los). I mean the opening scene is just hilarious, but would the U.S. come up an idea like that? I mean I guess it would be a little bit of a culture shock.

   I must inform you guys it is a chick flick, but the comedy factor in this movie will please both sexes. Like someone previously said "it is a good date movie" or just a middle of the week evening movie. That is only if you're both into that sort of thing.

   I am not saying everyone will like this entire movie, but the guys should like the first half of the movie and the women should like the whole thing. I mean Chow acting the way that he does in this movie is uncanny. It is not your typical Chow role of either the handsome, sophisticated guy that the girl always falls for or the gun blazing Chow. You must see the movie to understand.

   So don't rush to see it, but for sure one everyone should watch if you're into the Hong Kong movies.

1 comments about The Postmodern Life of My Aunt (Special Edition) 2 Disc Set.

1. I ordered this film despite the dismissive reviews and found that this film is a message from Ann Hui about thwarted people left behind by rapid changes in their world and the importance of swimming in the rapid currents despite the exhaustion and disappointments. I think Ann Hui is also very naughty in the way she dresses Zhao Wei in eager for trendiness rags juxtaposed by vests and overcoats straight out of the classic Chinese watercolor paintings of China's great beauties.
   
   Siqin Gaowa looks phenomenal and wonderfully accessorized in her dvd interview.

1 comments about A Better Tomorrow/A Better Tomorrow 2 (2 Pack).

1. This 2-disc set has an attractive price. The films are presented in a widescreen format, and the print quality appears to have been the best available. ABT has the original soundtrack, which has a more organic feel than on the dubbed versions. There are a couple of moments on ABT where the print goes darker suddenly, which I haven't seen on an American studio release of this movie before. As for ABT 2, it has never looked better. ABT is essential viewing for anyone interested in the genesis of Hong Kong gangster films. ABT 2 is a flawed, if thoroughly enjoyable sequel that, while not nearly as emotionally compelling as the original(despite several scenes of quintessetially overwrought Cantonese melodrama)certainly outdoes its predecessor in the mayhem department! The shootouts are totally over the top. Without giving anything away, I'll tell you that "Hard Boiled" wasn't Chow's first trip down a staircase! Definitely see these if you love John Woo, Chow Yun Fat, or Hong Kong film in general.

2 comments about Triads: The Inside Story.

1. Being a CYF fan, I borrowed this DVD hoping to find a masterpiece like HARD BOILED or THE KILLER. Despite being a ganster film, much like a poor man's GODFATHER, TRIADS is entertaining, and, if you're into heavy action, well, this is it.
   It drops at the end, but that's OK, for the movie is entertaining and very watchable.



2. Actor, Chow Yun Fat, plays a character named, Li Man-Ho and comes Hong Kong to join the Triad Mafia after his uncle is killed (the previouse leader). Coming from a regular life, living with his wife and kid, Li Man-Ho sees the dangerous side of crime; exposing himself to violence and betrayal and greed.
   He is scared at first, but rises to power quickly and takes territories controlled by rival gangs.
   
   The other reviewer was very accurate about this movie in stating that it is the "poor man's Godfather". The story seems very similar in the aspect about how a civilian becomes a crimelord after the passing of a family member. The problem with this is that it pales in comparison to the Godfather saga. Triads, is also not depicted realistically, you can tell it is a low budget film and everything about it is B.S. The triads all live in run-down houses (instead of nice homes), they wear clothing like poor people (instead of suits), they fight street battles with knives and metal pipes (instead of guns). It's more like a homeless war instead of a mafia war, which makes me laugh and angers me at the unrealistic portrayal of China's Triad mafia which in fact is the most powerful and influential mafia. Not even Chow Yun Fat's, charasmatic acting can save this pathetic movie. The DVD contains trailers and previews of other low budget asian action films. Another thing that surprised me about this one is that at the beginning of the film you will see the Dolby Digital logo, which means that the sound was supposedly cleaned-up and digitally re-mastered. This is absolutely false; you will hear poor sound quality through out your viewing experience...but does it really matter since the movie sucks anyway? If you want to see a different mafia movie, watch an american movie called "King of New York" with Christopher Walken.

5 comments about Project A.

1. Dear Ragini !
   
   Thank's for your email UNFORTUNATELY the DVD that I received yesterday is
   not the same that I bought from you.
   This is A JET LI movie with a BAD QUALITY ....I'm sure this product is
   PIRACY.
   What can we do now? I'm very dissaponited with AMAZON.....
   
   Best,
   
   Roberto



2. Where to begin? This is a terrific movie, and one of Jackie Chan's very best. Full of imaginative fights and stunts, Jackie's athleticism will amaze even those already familiar with him. It also features fantastic moments from Yuen Biao, Sammo Hung, and a couple of Shaw Brother's alumni in Dick Wei and Lee Hoi San.
   
   Jackie is Dragon Ma, a naval officer in early 20th century Hong Kong. His navy is taking crap from the police for losing ships and not capturing the pirate, Lo Sam Pau (Wei) and his henchmen. After they lose two more ships, the navy is forced to merge with Yuen Biao and the police department to fight local corruption, and THEN go after the pirates.
   
   Those in the know say that the uncut, remastered version from Fortune Star is the way to go. That being said, this version from Dimension does have a very good, widescreen picture with some bad English dubbing and no subtitle options. For Dimension, the dubbing is actually pretty good. If you want bad, check out any of the many Jet Li films that they've released. This one does have Danny Trejo as the voice of Lo Sam Pau. So if you're into pirates but have a hard time getting through those long, narcolepsy-inducing Johnny Depp films, give "Project A" a shot. This one has good fights AND pays homage to Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd. 4.5/5 and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
   
   1983



3. I asked for and paid for Project A. What I recieved was a dvd cover of project A with a dvd labled Project A. In fact the dvd contained a copy of Project A 2 - the sequel. This is not acceptable. Another point I would raise was that I checked the box to wait until all the dvd's in my order where all ready to be shipped together, they were shipped in two packages over two different periods. Please explain.



4. INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT A:
   
   Jackie Chan is an underestimated genious outside his own reputation, the historical importance of his legacy trascends his best known image as a comedian and daredevil acrobat: There's a talented Director and visionary, a man who changed the Action film industry in Honk Kong forever with his personal touch and style in the early 80's, by creating the perfect fusion of goofy physical comedy and incredible restless action with some of the most impressive and dangerous stunts ever displayed on film. This 1982 period film about sailors, police and pirates, was the consolidation of Chan as a star in Asia after his major breakthrought with Yuen Woo Ping's kung fu classic "Drunken Master", and a movie that started an influence to follow from there on in the industry.
   
   This is a true milestone, considered by critics not only as the first important Honk Kong action comedy , but one of the best productions of the genre next to Chan's second best directed film, the timeless classic "Police Story". Besides being one of his most entertaining and funny movies, the film contains some of Jackie's best stunts ever. We've all seen the reckless and almost imprudent asian stuntmen falling on their heads and backs from the roof to the solid floor in many occasions in 80's HK action movies, but no one can get used to watch Jackie climbing handcuffed to a flag pole, jumping to the top of a clock tower, and then falling to the ground with no protection but a couple of cloth roof tops. And he did it at least three times, two of them registered in this film. Even the MTV idiots getting their private parts bitten by baby alligators, thinks that its totally insane. Outstanding comedy and action, great period scenarios, enjoyable classic soundtrack: This movie defines an era.
   
   So Jackie became a hughe international star and the world embraced this delightful character and action hero that he is, and then came the re-releases of his early and most important work to satisfy the needs of us fans. Among those DVD releases, unfortunately we can find editions like this one. Check this out:
   
   THE PROBLEMS:
   
   - Incomplete, cutted version with english dubbing, and the worst of all, the original amusing and perfectly synchronized music score was replaced by a new, awful synthesized random score, killing the comedy and sucking the joy out of the movie by trying to turn it into the current action flick. I mean, the "updated" new cover of the DVD speaks for itself.
   
   - The Classic Golden Harvest presentation and original opening sequence with credits, was replaced by a computer generated pirate flag : Jackie Chan's Project A, the new title, makes clear that this release is a mere vehicle to show Jackie to new audiences, with no respect for anything else.
   
   - The bar fight sequence is incomplete: The whole "spaghetti" incident was excluded, along with precious seconds of the brawl. Nice.
   
   - The scene in the gambling house in wich the Sammo Hung's character is introduced to the movie, was completely excluded. Now, he just happens to know everyone. Awesome.
   
   - From the Police training sequence, the "shower" scene is missing.
   
   - The intro of Sammo, Jackie and Yuen Biao in the arrest sequence at the club house is missing. The fight sequences are chopped off too.
   
   - The intro of the rifle robbery on a boat at night perpetrated by Sammo and Jackie, conceived as a Pekin Opera satire, is chopped off and ruined by the lack of score, waysting the rhymes and the joke intended.
   
   - The pirate assault to the english ship sequence, chopped off.
   
   - From then, everything is in place, till the new ending credits. By this time, only sadness for the lost original music score and impotence for the waysted money remains.
   
   Honestly, the picture and sound are decent. But that's it. The intention of this DVD edition is to introduce new audiences to Jackie's glorious past, and in that part only, it delivers. But this is not the final choice for any collector or faithful fan, not for a moment.
   
   THE SOLUTION:
   
   A couple years ago, FORTUNE STAR released a flawless remastered ALL-REGION DVD Edition, including the complete version in Cantonese DTS, 5.1, and original 2.0 mono soundtrack (Hurra!) with original character voices and music score, all the deleted scenes and outtakes, original HK trailer, and photo galleries. More than any fan could ask for, i tell you.
   
   Dear Customer: Look for this edition in Asian DVD stores online, and forget about this Edition. Don't be afraid, they're just as safe and efficient as here, i guarantee.



5. The worst of Jackie Chan's movies. The fight scenes are good, as expected. But the movie has a poor, or non existent, storyline. It just drifts along propelled by poor acting all around. What a disappointment.

1 comments about Fractured Follies.

1. I'm a big fan of both Chow Yun-Fat and Joey Wang so buying this DVD was a no brainer for me. For those who are looking for a Hong Kong action movie, look elsewhere. You won't see much in the way of martial arts action in this film. But if you're open to other types of movies, keep reading.

   To give you a quick plot synopsis: Joey Wang plays May, a woman who was born with one leg longer than the other. Chow Yun-Fat is Joe, a taxi driver who accidentally hits May and thinks he's crippled her for life. Joe comes to work for May's family partly because he blames himself for her condition and partly because his insurance ran out 2 days before the accident and he has to pay them back somehow. Once the two are together romance blossoms but there are complications along the way, ranging from a talking Buddha that dispenses romantic advice to May's overly amorous cousin, Scarlet, a wealthy widow who has already worn out 3 husbands with her affections and has her sights set on making Joe number 4.

   This movie will probably never win any awards but as a light hearted romantic comedy, it's about as good as they get. The cast is good and the story engaging. It's good to see Chow Yun-Fat playing something other than the ultra-cool characters that Americans are so familiar with him as, if only to be reminded what a versatile actor he is. He's absolutely wonderful as the slightly nerdy Joe. At one point he dresses up in drag to catch the secret admirer who's been stalking Scarlet. At another point he gets decked out in a pineapple costume to do a song and dance number in front of the store in order to attract customers. If you enjoyed his comic bits in "God of Gamblers", you'll love him in "Fractured Follies". Joey Wang is her usual radiantly beautiful self and even a pair of nerdy glasses with thick black plastic rims can't disguise her wonderfully expressive face. And Nina Li Chi proves once again that she's a fine comic actress in her role as Scarlet.

   This is a fun movie which I highly recommend. If your SO doesn't mind reading subtitles this would probably make a good date movie as it has enough romance to make the women happy and enough slapstick/bufoonery to keep the men involved.