All Film Reviews

Probably best described as a cliché-ridden mess that is condemned by a combination of a poor script, bad casting and laughable action.

While its uniqueness may not be for all, ‘Bunraku’ wears its quest for originality proudly on its sleeve and for the most part succeeds at offering a different take on an old Western/Samurai style set up.

There is very little of the Chan we know and love on display and if anything, it feels like nothing more than another example of the typical stereotypical Hollywood image of an Asian actor as the new Bruce Lee.

‘Burning Paradise’ is definitely a worthy addition to the classic kung fu genre as well as the many legends of Fong Sai Yuk.

If you’re one who only digs more grounded, one-on-one martial arts action then you may want to look away, but fans of wuxia action are in for a treat.

‘Butterfly Lovers’ is a forgettable version of a legend that deserves a definitive screen portrayal – it has moments of interest, but proves to be an unevenly yoked movie.

We could be reaching fatigue with this style of relentlessly violent edged, Eastern set action flick but ‘BuyBust’s commitment to its own vibe and the impressive setting make it a worthwhile investment.

Hung and Wu Ma still manage to keep the film interesting with their charming on-screen personas and some noteworthy kung fu routines.

These ingredients make ‘C’est La Vie, Mon Cheri’ a real treat to watch and create an enchanting ambience that draws the viewer in.

Jacob Cheung’s celebrated drama is that magical juxtaposition of gritty social commentary and absorbing character study that many lesser directors aspire to replicate.

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

Superbly paced, mounted and executed, one should simply sit back and enjoy this kung fu spectacle.

Shen Chiang’s ‘Call to Arms’ is about as dull and listless as they come, never once engaging its viewer even at the most basic levels of entertainment merit.

Retains the majority of its likeable qualities, such as enjoyable star partnerships, funny jokes, fast cars and pretty girls.

Sentimental, yet never schmaltzy, inspiring though certainly not preachy, ‘Canola’ strikes a beautiful balance between its elements that makes for a hugely admirable whole.

‘Cape No.7’ is an ensemble production whose success is tied up with its exploration of Taiwan’s southernmost area, its use of localised flavour and copious amounts of colloquial humour.

‘Carry On Hotel’ should work better than it does, but, due to uninspired writing and direction, is merely passable entertainment.

Starts out as a fairly happy-go-lucky comedy but eventually culminates in an all action finale that is surprisingly violent for a film of this ilk.

Chan Wai-Man and Lau Kar-Wing do make a good Sid James and Bernard Bresslaw-type double-act. Only with more fighting ability.

‘Cart’ is an admirable and very sympathetic version of a pro-longed event that may have happened in Korea, but has echoes through the developed world where profit is evermore as valued as simple human decency.

Joo Won and the stunt people do give it their all and there are some creative sequences on show, but it doesn’t quite come together into a satisfying whole.

Not as saturated with action as some of its ilk of the time but a solid gangster gambling drama nonetheless with the two leads at the top of their game.

It’s certainly worth spending some time in even just for the fantastic visuals on offer but may also draw you into the melancholic characters and the sombre story right up to its tragic conclusion.

It may be a little slight for the more cynical out there and both action stars have trod similar ground before, but ‘Castle Falls’ is an effectively unfussy flick that delivers the meat and potatoes action.