Rating: 3.5

Wong Fei-Hung gets the revisionist upgrade that someone, somewhere asked for and the results, though mixed, are mostly positive.

‘River’ might not reach ‘Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes’ heights of loopy brilliance, but it’s another mixture of Japanese invention and wit that is sure to please those looking for an antidote to bloated Hollywood excess.

This isn’t a masterpiece of the genre by any stretch, but it’s a more than adequate drama with some well shot chase scenes.

‘RoboGeisha’ is likely to be the best film about a robot Geisha ever made, has midnight movie cult status written all over it and if you are in the mood for it, is an absolute hoot.

What this interesting little oddity lacks in thrills and spills it therefore makes up for in good ol’ 80s synth-pop, day-glo, bubble-permed fun.

‘Romantic Island’ has a charm that makes it much more appealing than just a picture-postcard sent to lift the spirits would be.

While ‘Rosa’ isn’t one of the best action-comedies to come out of Hong Kong in the 80’s, it is still a constantly watchable one.

The sheer energy and pacing of the film is undeniably invigorating and it is truly captivating to watch poor, unsuspecting Cheung fighting for his life.

‘Rurouni Kenshin’ is resolutely pulp entertainment though and while it is unlikely to be mentioned in the same breath as ‘Yojimbo’ in years to come, it hits enough of its targets to satisfy.

The setup is basically a showcase for star Kotik and various real-life Russian MMA fighters to cut loose in a series of elaborate fight scenes and confrontations.

‘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.

‘Sad Movie’ is professionally executed with slick, expertly-lit photography and that Korean ability to use common emotional triggers without being quite so conniving as expected.