Reviews

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  The Killer

  3.0
  Action, Thriller  •  USA

  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

  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

  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

  ‘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

  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

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