Rating: 4.0

‘All Night Long’ is a vehicle for four fine actresses and a film-maker who may not have made a significant contribution to Asian cinema, yet shows with this production that his skills are worthy of merit.

Once again, Wu Ma has delivered an independent genre flick that is involving, utilising his excellent cast well and making a very predictable story about revenge something a little different.

This highly acclaimed romantic drama proves once again that Hong Kong cinema can be very subtle and is far more varied than some would have the public believe.

The last twenty minutes alone are worth anyone’s money, as you will undoubtedly rewind in order to be repeatedly amazed by one of the greatest physical performers of any generation.

A personal story told on a grand scale ‘Assembly’ is as good as war flicks get, finding a near perfect balance between a personal journey and large scale combat.

Some may dismiss this merely as ‘The Matrix’ with opera. Others will agree it is an example of science fiction using its brain as well as its trigger finger.

It may be a different genre but Kitamura proves he is not just a one trick pony and still knows how to successfully shoot the action and keep the characters interesting throughout.

‘BA:BO’ may be slickly shot and handled by a mostly photogenic cast, though it is undoubtedly easy to become immersed in its world.

‘Banana Cop’ is a quick-moving film that is at times amusing and at times, thanks to some fine direction, suspense-filled.

This is a hugely entertaining film that undoubtedly ranks as one of the best that the swordplay genre has to offer.

‘Battle Royale’ is a fast-paced, intense and emotionally charged film that goes where most filmmakers would never dare and produces a highly recommended movie for fans of all genres.

What prevents Battles Without Honour and Humanity from being a true masterpiece is its confused, muddled plot.