Action Member: Ching Siu-Tung

‘Curse Of The Golden Flower’ is another sign of the growing confidence of Chinese cinema, the imagination of Zhang Yimou and the iconic status of Gong Li and Chow Yun-Fat.

Great characters, action and design make this an excellent fantasy adventure which harks back to the fun time fantasies such as ‘Willow’, ‘A Chinese Ghost Story’ and, yes, even ‘Krull’.

The action is about only thing that makes ‘Dr. Wai’ worth watching, with Li on typically fine form for a couple of battles with some interesting opponents.

‘Duel To The Death’ is ostentatious proof director Ching Siu Tung is not someone merely told where to put the camera.

‘Future Cops’ is definitely worth a look for its crazy action and glittering cast, but be warned that the middle section may make you reach for the fast-forward button.

Seemingly endless scenes of two annoying kids, empty nods to whatever is currently in popular culture and a few moments of teeth-grindingly insincere pathos.

‘Hero’ has shown that an exquisitely photographed film does not always have to be a case of style over substance.

‘House Of Flying Daggers’ has too many trappings of an arthouse production that screams ‘self-conscious’ throughout.

‘I Love Maria’ offers a very good 100 minutes of entertainment for those who are looking for something new within Hong Kong cinema.

Even as an outsider looking in, this reviewer has to admit that the occasional moments of entertainment sprouted forth from ‘Just Call Me Nobody’.

By the halfway mark of ‘Justice, My Foot’, most of the interest has disintegrated and the viewer ends up sitting their hoping for something special to happen.

This may not be his very best comedy, but it is definitely worthwhile and among his better efforts. Therefore this still has much to commend and is well worth watching.