Stars' Best Film

[ASaroch]

I'm going to get the ball rolling with the name of an actor/actress and what I'd consider their best work, then the next post will hopefully do the same.

ANDY LAU - A MOMENT OF ROMANCE. Infernal Affairs is a very close second, but MOR was the first time I really thought of him as a good actor rather than clueless triad foot soldier. Still a great film after all these years.

[Jubilee]

Jet Li

Once Upon A Time In China 2 - 黃飛鴻之二男兒當自強

Turning out a sequel better than the original is no small feat, but Tsui Hark managed to do just that with his epic follow up to the adventures of Wong Fei Hung. Sure, Hark's top production values, wicked supporting cast (Yen, Mok (I thought he was more appropriate than Biao as Foon) and Kwan) and emotional underscoring to the brilliant action went a long way... but the performance of Li, balancing the fun of his blossoming romance with Aunt Yee with his razor sharp determination to do the right thing in a time of turmoil really sells the film.

Li proved to all he was more than just a wushu wunderkind and the film is a superb package all round.

[martin]

Stephen Chow - Shaolin Soccer

So I think alot of people might go for the amazing Kung Fu Hustle, but Shaolin Soccer managed to tie his goofy humour and some action together for the first time in a way that wasn't just a token gesture. The film has got some fantastic imagery, it runs quickly and doesn't flag, and I think Stephen Chow's trademark 'simplistic' character is more likeable and effective here than in any other film. The cast is second to none and (including the great Man Tat). Stephen Chow has made plenty of good films with classic moments, but Shaolin Soccer is like one big classic moment. It's also probably my favourite ever comedy...

[ASaroch]

Sammo Hung - This is a difficult one. I'm torn between 'Magnificent Butcher' and 'Pedicab Driver', both are exceptional films.

[Charlie Parker]

I'd pluck for Pedicab, it's a better film as a whole, I can go back to that over and over.

[Ryuk]

Byung-hun Lee
A Bittersweet Life (2005)
- Unfortunately people in the west will best know him from that god-awful film G.I.Joe. Balls.

Francis Ng
Exiled (2006)
- Plays 'Tai' brilliantly in the film, adding depth to his character and really has shown in growth in his ability since his days in TV, to 'Full Alert', '2000AD' and 'Colour of the Truth'.

Daniel Wu
One Night in Mongkok (2004)
- Daniel Wu is known for his over acting (Shinjuku Incident and New Police Story for instance), but here is a film where we really lose ourselves in the character. No longer is he 'Daniel Wu playing Daniel Wu' but 'Daniel Wu playing Lai-Fu'. This was a close call between One Night, and Protege as he is equally as good in that too.

[monkeyboy]

Charlene Choi
Diary (2006)

I thought I would throw an actress into the mix. I guess mostly known for more cheeky/sassy roles as part of her pop moppet contract, but this intense Pang Bros. psychological thriller showed a side to her that was to me completely unexpected. Disturbing yet compelling.