Author: Andrew Saroch

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.

‘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.

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.

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

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

‘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.

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.

‘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.

A partial remake of ‘Eyewitness’, the flawed, but diverting 1981 William Hurt/Sigourney Weaver thriller, ‘In Between Loves’ starts with promise only to quickly lose it all.

The finale offers a solid conclusion to a production that has promise but never quite delivers on it – ‘Crazy Nuts of Kung Fu’ is never really the kung-fu buddy film you hope it will be.

It’s another story about the quiet drama of everyday life despite being set in the music industry and while Hong Kong keeps making films that stay true to their roots, I’ll always be watching.

There is a degree of drama in this story of redemption but it’s not constructed with any great care and can hardly make up for the lack of sparkle in the choreography.