Cast Member: Samuel Hui

Unlike much of today’s canto-comedy, the humour in ‘Aces.’ translates very well and certainly doesn’t seem to have dated after nearly twenty-years.

The formula that made the original so successful has naturally remained untampered, but the scope of effects and stunts clearly expanded.

Alongside this familiar narrative is the constantly disarming duo of Samuel Hui and Karl Maka and they of course continue to show great comic timing and interplay in the familiar roles of Sam and Kodijack.

Unlike ‘Aces. III’ which failed to integrate the eastern and the western elements of the film, ‘Aces. IV’ succeeds in creating a globe-hopping adventure without losing its main Asian audience.

The film boasts a truly stellar cast and good production values, but sadly the saga had run out of steam.

‘Dragon from Russia’ is best described as a group of excellent fight sequences strung together by a rather muddled plot and some curious casting.

Michael Hui uses moments of slapstick, social conscience and satire in conjunction with his flawless timing.

As an introduction to the Hui brothers or Hong Kong comedy in general, this is a fine starting point.

Far more subtle than Chow Sing Chi, but certainly as funny, ‘Security Unlimited’ is an excellent introduction to the world of the Hui brothers.

‘Swordsman’ is not as strong as its superior sequel and the aforementioned difficulties are all apparent, but it is still an ultimately rewarding film.

The Hui brothers combine efforts to create another outstanding piece of canto-comedy that mixes clever satire of the entertainment industry and slapstick comedy.

Even a lesser Michael Hui film is worth watching and there are still enough comic moments to keep most viewers happy.