Cast Member: Ge You

This is a lustrous production that flatters to deceive, aiming for the intellect, but eventually preferring to show empty spectacle and supposed depth.

‘Cala, My Dog!’ is, as so many modern Chinese films are, a way of observing a misunderstood country on a detailed level.

The varied cast which includes Tse, Ge You and CN Blue member Jung Yong-Hwa make it an appealing 90 minutes of over-the-top cook-offs, snappy comedy and melodrama.

Entertaining in parts with a game cast on good form but frustratingly uneven and unsatisfying a film as a whole, ‘Let the Bullets Fly’ lays on the political subtext but forgets to have fun with it.

The simple fact is that Xiaogang’s latest work is the kind of slick, seamless film that one can admire as much as enjoy.

‘Sacrifice’ is not going to find itself among Chen Kaige’s most revered films, yet it is still a classy almost operatic historical film that holds the attention.

While it doesn’t always engage and could have used a little more oomph come the second half, Feng Xiaogang’s film is still a decent attempt at dynasty drama.

‘The Hero Of Swallow’ retains a few likeable old-school qualities that just about save it from falling below the three star mark.