Country: Hong Kong

‘Winners And Sinners’ may disappoint viewers if they’re expecting to see a Jackie Chan film, but if you appreciate the talents of any of the main actors involved then you are definitely in for a treat.

While it’s no great shakes ‘Wonder Seven’ will provide some nostalgia tinged enjoyment for those who miss the golden days of stunt filled Hong Kong action cinema.

The drama that fills the narrative asks that Leung is capable of giving a mature, at times necessarily understated performance, something the actress resoundingly provides.

Those expecting the typical Tsui Hark flair and innovation may be disappointed by this straight-forward comedy, but it still shows his ability to add something to even the most well-trod narratives.

Joseph Kuo can be credited with providing the genre with much to savour, but ‘World Of Drunken Master’ is a very routine kung fu comedy.

As the film unfolds the perspective gets murky and Wai Ka-Fai’s juggling of the various elements comes into question.

Long gone are the days of high-impact fight scenes; now protagonists, even those as skilled as Vincent Zhao, bounce off of each other like playmates in a wind-tunnel.

With some excellent, grounded choreography and a number of allusions to genre legends this is a mature martial arts film that respects its roots.

Ultimately lacking in great cinematography or even much of a plot, the name of the game is to excite the audience in as many ways possible.

The lead characters are completely uninvolving and most of the actors make no attempt to fight against the lacklustre writing.

‘Young Detective Dee: Rise Of The Sea Dragon’ is involving fare with enough action and impetus to distract the most critical eye.

Too early for the post-‘Once Upon A Time In China’ boom and too late for the post-‘Shaolin Temple’ frenzy in 1981, ‘Zen Master 6’ is perhaps better appreciated all of these years later.