Reviews

Love Never Ends

4.5

Drama, Family, Romance • China
Sep 13

A heart-warming love story, a powerful comment on the treatment of the elderly in China (though it can be extended worldwide) and a stunning drama that looks at how the marginalised survive.
Yadang: The Snitch

4.0

Action, Crime, Drama • South Korea
Sep 5

For the most part, ‘Yadang: The Snitch’ is a refreshing spin on the gangster/drug/corruption narrative that often soars thanks to its sheer force of momentum and electric lead performance.

Hitman In The Hand Of Buddha

3.5

Action, Martial Arts • Hong Kong, South Korea
Aug 31

‘Hitman in the Hand of Buddha’ is often very decent, but its flaws drag it away from approaching the top tier of the genre.
Out Of Reach

1.5

Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller • USA
Aug 24

Unless you’re looking to poke fun at it, I’d imagine even the most dedicated Steven Seagal fans will find it hard to recommend ‘Out of Reach’.
The Hunted

4.0

Action, Drama, Martial Arts, Thriller • USA
Aug 17

All but forgotten gem from the mid-90s starring one-time ‘Highlander’ Christopher Lambert and from the writer of ‘Under Siege’, ‘The Hunted’ is a savage little ninja movie that deserves more recognition.
Invincible Swordsman

3.5

Action, Drama, Martial Arts, Wuxia • China
Aug 10

The action is slick and just about gets the balance right between computer effects and practical choreography, while the cast are appealing.
Bangkok Dog

3.0

Action, Crime, Martial Arts, Thriller • Thailand
Aug 4

Flying fist first as if it’s from the straight-to-video 90s action movie heyday, ‘Bangkok Dog’ is a no frills, fast and furious, fight film.
The Moon Thieves

3.5

Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller • Hong Kong
Jul 28

‘The Moon Thieves’ is a decent action thriller that never quite ignites in the way that the classics do, but has plenty to recommend it.
The Tattooed Dragon

3.0

Action, Drama, Martial Arts • Hong Kong
Jul 23

Moving from the Shaw Brothers studio to the ones housed at Golden Harvest, Lo Wei and Jimmy Wang Yu bring their considerable talents to this shot in Thailand potboiler that allows Yu to showcase his action talent.
The 14 Amazons

4.0

Action, Drama, History, Martial Arts, Wuxia • Hong Kong
Jul 17

‘The 14 Amazons’ is one of those brash, bold and defiant Hong Kong hits of yesteryear that continues to find new admirers.
The Killer

3.0

Action, Thriller • USA
Jul 11

Woo’s remake of his own film is a fun actioner (if one can leave the incessant need to compare and criticise behind) that entertains thanks to its location, assassin gender swap, and some finely staged action.
The Last Dance

3.5

Drama • Hong Kong
Jul 6

It doesn’t always draw the viewer in the way that might be expected, yet it eventually develops into an intriguing drama where a fusion of exceptional acting and thoughtful direction ensure its success.
Fierce Cop

3.0

Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller • China
Jun 30

While ‘Fierce Cop’ flip flops between melodramatic exploitation and a serious examination of trafficking, it thankfully keeps proceedings thundering along with Kenji Tanigaki’s excellent action design.
Nine-Ring Golden Dagger

3.5

Action, Drama, History, Martial Arts, Wuxia • China
Jun 25

‘Nine-Ring Gold Dagger’ might not have that hook that keeps the viewer on board throughout, but there is enough promise to make it a more than adequate watch.
Blind Woman’s Curse

3.0

Action, Crime, Drama, Horror • Japan
Jun 20

Further elevated by an offbeat sense of humour, with periodic bursts of slapstick and broad comedy, Teruo Ishii’s ‘Blind Woman’s Curse’ is nothing if not memorable.
The Shadow Strays

4.0

Action, Crime, Martial Arts, Thriller • Indonesia
Jun 14

Timo Tjahjanto continues to reach new action heights with every new film and ‘The Shadow Strays’ continues this trend with violent aplomb.
Crisis Negotiators

3.0

Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller • Hong Kong
Jun 8

Herman Yau’s remake is, to be honest, unnecessary. It doesn’t add much to the source material and, when compared side-by-side, comes off poorly.
Hunt The Wicked

3.0

Action, Martial Arts, Thriller • China
Jun 2

Loaded with breakneck action, ‘Hunt the Wicked’ gets by on its energetic execution and its two martial arts stars facing off before teaming up.
Funny Soccer

3.0

Comedy, Sport • China
May 27

While it is a good idea that is probably stretched beyond its running time, there is something quite heartening about ‘Funny Soccer’.
The Bells Of Death

4.0

Action, Drama, Martial Arts • Hong Kong
May 23

Some may not appreciate the style-over-substance approach here, but it works well to deliver a sharp, cruel tale of wuxia justice.