Writer: Edward Leung

As a standalone film ‘A Better Tomorrow 3’ is a fairly watchable effort thanks to an intriguing premise, but as a prequel to ‘A Better Tomorrow’ it just doesn’t quite cut it.

This is Brigitte Lin’s movie and her climactic tirade against her husband, bursting with anger and confusion lingers as one of her finest screen moments.

Hark combines a well-paced and beautifully photographed narrative with strong characters and exciting fight action.

‘Swordsman’ is not as strong as its superior sequel and the aforementioned difficulties are all apparent, but it is still an ultimately rewarding film.

There’s little room for Chow’s trademark “fast speak” here, and it’s definitely more ‘Three Stooges’ than ‘Monty Python’.