Reviews

The 14 Amazons

4.0

Action, Drama, History, Martial Arts, Wuxia • Hong Kong
Jul 17

‘The 14 Amazons’ is one of those brash, bold and defiant Hong Kong hits of yesteryear that continues to find new admirers.
The Killer

3.0

Action, Thriller • USA
Jul 11

Woo’s remake of his own film is a fun actioner (if one can leave the incessant need to compare and criticise behind) that entertains thanks to its location, assassin gender swap, and some finely staged action.

The Last Dance

3.5

Drama • Hong Kong
Jul 6

It doesn’t always draw the viewer in the way that might be expected, yet it eventually develops into an intriguing drama where a fusion of exceptional acting and thoughtful direction ensure its success.
Fierce Cop

3.0

Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller • China
Jun 30

While ‘Fierce Cop’ flip flops between melodramatic exploitation and a serious examination of trafficking, it thankfully keeps proceedings thundering along with Kenji Tanigaki’s excellent action design.
Nine-Ring Golden Dagger

3.5

Action, Drama, History, Martial Arts, Wuxia • China
Jun 25

‘Nine-Ring Gold Dagger’ might not have that hook that keeps the viewer on board throughout, but there is enough promise to make it a more than adequate watch.
Blind Woman’s Curse

3.0

Action, Crime, Drama, Horror • Japan
Jun 20

Further elevated by an offbeat sense of humour, with periodic bursts of slapstick and broad comedy, Teruo Ishii’s ‘Blind Woman’s Curse’ is nothing if not memorable.
The Shadow Strays

4.0

Action, Crime, Martial Arts, Thriller • Indonesia
Jun 14

Timo Tjahjanto continues to reach new action heights with every new film and ‘The Shadow Strays’ continues this trend with violent aplomb.
Crisis Negotiators

3.0

Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller • Hong Kong
Jun 8

Herman Yau’s remake is, to be honest, unnecessary. It doesn’t add much to the source material and, when compared side-by-side, comes off poorly.
Hunt The Wicked

3.0

Action, Martial Arts, Thriller • China
Jun 2

Loaded with breakneck action, ‘Hunt the Wicked’ gets by on its energetic execution and its two martial arts stars facing off before teaming up.
Funny Soccer

3.0

Comedy, Sport • China
May 27

While it is a good idea that is probably stretched beyond its running time, there is something quite heartening about ‘Funny Soccer’.
The Bells Of Death

4.0

Action, Drama, Martial Arts • Hong Kong
May 23

Some may not appreciate the style-over-substance approach here, but it works well to deliver a sharp, cruel tale of wuxia justice.
Kickboxer

4.0

Action, Martial Arts, Sport • USA
May 23

‘Kickboxer’ is excellent old-school action entertainment, filled with top-notch fights, classic training sequences, and a sublime soundtrack.
The Lady Assassin

4.0

Action, Drama, History, Martial Arts • Hong Kong
May 19

‘The Lady Assassin’ is very good, but there is the nagging feeling that this could have been even better with a little discernment.
Fist Of The Condor

3.0

Action, Martial Arts • Chile
May 12

While the film does deliver ample bouts of impressive fight action, the film gets a little bogged down in its own seriousness and slipshod back-and-forth timelines.
Time Still Turns The Pages

4.0

Drama • Hong Kong
May 5

‘Time Still Turns the Pages’ is a film that intends to create necessary debate about the next generation and their mental health – it achieves its aim with skill and humanity.
Executioners

3.0

Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Sci-Fi • Hong Kong
Apr 28

‘Executioners’ carries over the comic book vibe of the previous instalment but ladens on the seriousness and melodramatics this time around.
Sanshiro Sugata

4.0

Action, Adventure, Drama, Martial Arts • Japan
Apr 20

It’s rough around the edges to be sure, but there’s much to be savoured here; Kurosawa gets more out of this condensed 80 minutes than many filmmakers get from three hours or so.
The Heroic Trio

4.0

Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Sci-Fi • Hong Kong
Apr 14

Don’t think about it too much, just go along for the ride and bask in the beauty and talent of the incredible action scenes and the trio of leading ladies.
Two Jolly Cops

1.5

Action, Comedy • Hong Kong
Apr 10

‘Two Jolly Cops’ starts with a modest spark, but pours a bucket of water on this immediately; what follows is ninety minutes of utter boredom.
Ode To Gallantry

3.5

Action, Comedy, Drama, Martial Arts • Hong Kong
Mar 24

Perhaps not what one might be expecting from all those involved but nevertheless ‘Ode to Gallantry’ is another solid Cheh flick buoyed by a fantastic lead performance from Philip Kwok.