Rating: 4.0

Those expecting a one-woman killing machine type flick may be disappointed as this is much more a character piece and darkly told tale that pulls no punches.

Not a Brunel intellectual challenge, this is a recommended satirical comedy, easy to enjoy and a feather in the cap of Johnnie To’s varied filmography.

Though ‘Helpless’ features characters that are genre staples the acting has enough of an edge to divert attention away from clichés. A fine thriller, a solid drama and two hours of quality entertainment.

Widely seen as Carol Cheng’s finest hour, ‘Her Fatal Ways’ manages to combine a number of qualities to create a very satisfying experience.

It not only shows that Yuen Biao can still bust a move, but is one of the late 90’s better dramatic action movies.

It turns out to be an above average thriller which leaves the audience with more than just another high body count.

Although not quite reaching the heights of ‘Iron Monkey’, ‘Heroes Among Heroes’ is still a memorable new-wave action film that is packed with superior fight action.

‘Heroes Of The East’ starts relatively slowly, but when the storyline develops beyond the basic exposition, this is another kung fu treat from ‘The Pops’.

‘Heroes Two’ is not one of the definitive collaborations between Chang Cheh and Fu Sheng, but it offers quality in most departments.

This action comedy is undoubtedly at its best when Jet Li is given centre stage and allowed to show off his smooth physical moves.

‘Hong Kong 1941’ is a powerful and moving study of the effects of war on the ordinary person and the strains of such pressure on any friendship.

This film’s strength lies in its joy in beating you over the head with excessive 80s bloodshed and cheese.