Genre: Drama

In Derek Yee though, the film has an impressive craftsmen who layers the tension until the film’s ultimately downbeat conclusion.

A hard slog for some, but a beautiful appreciation of the ordinary for many, a look at how day-to-day life can have a worth all of its own.

Though it disappoints with the actual heart of the film, there is nonetheless something quite welcoming about a work that is so different from the usual fare.

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

Full of strong performances and that subtle yet unrelentingly grim atmosphere that Asian films do so splendidly, ‘Pluto’ is a necessary film.

There is much to appreciate here, especially a plot with enough turns and twists to keep the viewer attentive and characters who go beyond their stereotypes as the villain’s motives unfold.

‘Poppoya’ is unlikely to be a film that many will feel passionately attracted to, but it succeeds because you feel drawn into the central dynamic and intrigued by what troubles the lead protagonist.

‘Postmen In The Mountains’ is full of charming and touching episodes that occur on the travels of the two leads.

By no means unexciting, the choreography still lacks a stylish edge and tends to appear archaic at times. This is compensated by director Chai Ying Min’s brave concentration on the various relationships of the story.

A gripping and often uncompromising look at the Hong Kong drug trade from the seller’s and user’s side, Derek Yee’s ‘Protégé’ is one of the finest dramas to come out of Hong Kong in recent years.

It’s undeniably rough around the edges, but in its favour it has a solid cast and some good interaction between the characters – certainly worth an evenings viewing.

A stylish and moody piece from one of the masters of style and mood, ‘PTU’ is a dark journey into the equally dark heart of Hong Kong where the cops are almost as corrupt as the criminals.