2010 Foreign Film, Rated R
Summary: In 1920s China, the nation is divided by infighting. Japan has become the most powerful force in Asia, taking over Northern Shanghai. With the city torn in half by international conflict, the popular nightclub, "Casablanca," has become a hotbed of spies, mobsters, English officials and the Japanese military - all looking to gain control of the country, with little regard for what happens to its citizens.
Into this den of intrigue enters Chen Zhen (Donnie Yen), who has returned to China after fighting alongside the Allied forces in Europe, bringing some dark secrets from his past along with him. During the day, he's known as "Ku" and appears to be just another wealthy playboy. However at night, he takes to the street as a masked warrior, determined to subvert the Japanese invasion while becoming entangled with the sultry Kiki (played by Shu Qi), who has a dangerous secret of her own. When his past catches up to him, Zhen is faced with near impossible odds, but his skills are formidable and he's up to the challenge.
Into this den of intrigue enters Chen Zhen (Donnie Yen), who has returned to China after fighting alongside the Allied forces in Europe, bringing some dark secrets from his past along with him. During the day, he's known as "Ku" and appears to be just another wealthy playboy. However at night, he takes to the street as a masked warrior, determined to subvert the Japanese invasion while becoming entangled with the sultry Kiki (played by Shu Qi), who has a dangerous secret of her own. When his past catches up to him, Zhen is faced with near impossible odds, but his skills are formidable and he's up to the challenge.
My Review: I see a lot of foreign films, and in particular, Asian films that premiere here in Hawaii. The Hong Kong-martial art films, hot from their tour of film festivals and limited release premiers, finally make their way into the general audience hands. I have to admit, I sort of cringe when I get asked to screen a martial art movie because I'm afraid that the action-laced movie will be void of any real content. Funny thing is, there is certainly a genre for these films, plot or not.
Let me just say, this film is very worthy of being in the "martial art film WITH a plot" category.
The film focuses on Shangai after WWI. For me, I personally am fascinated with this era. What I liked about this movie was that it used that mystique of an exotic world, colorful, alive with culture; but slowly slipping towards the inevitable future of Western influences, and what we all know, the brinks of a second world war. The 20's are devastatingly beautiful.
And of course, do I dare say, the bad men in the film are the Japanese. We'll leave this subject alone, as the history between Japan and China is not a pretty one.
But, it is this mix of Chinese pride, and the will to stand up to the Japanese, who in the film begin to assassinate every Westerner or Chinese person who is against them, that brings a sense of depth to the story. A "death" list that is leaked, prompts one man to take actions into his own hands. Or I should say, in his own way. With the assistance of the press, and the police, there is a new sheriff in town.
For a good part of the film, we get to see incredibly talented stunt-men pull off amazing action sequences, and my favorite scenes are the ones where Donnie Chen dons a costume, making himself know as the "masked" superhero. LOVED THIS. My only complaint is that there was not enough of this through out the film, yet still, the film is a hybrid of comic superhero and martial arts; let's just say it was awesome.
And as any superhero knows, there is always the love interest... The woman you want to care for... The woman you want to save... But something is amiss.... Would she do the same for you?
I absolutely adored the 20's setting in the beautiful club called "Casablanca". I loved it being in Shanghai, kind of wanted Indiana Jones to join Chen Zhen (Donnie Yen). And last, the movie had a great plot, and a well deserved, but heartbreaking ending. Perfect martial art film. This is opening in Hawaii theatres today. Check it out if it's in a theatre near you.
This film gets four kicks to the gut!
Cast and Credit:
Anthony Wong - Master Liu
Huang Bo - Huan
Let me just say, this film is very worthy of being in the "martial art film WITH a plot" category.
The film focuses on Shangai after WWI. For me, I personally am fascinated with this era. What I liked about this movie was that it used that mystique of an exotic world, colorful, alive with culture; but slowly slipping towards the inevitable future of Western influences, and what we all know, the brinks of a second world war. The 20's are devastatingly beautiful.
And of course, do I dare say, the bad men in the film are the Japanese. We'll leave this subject alone, as the history between Japan and China is not a pretty one.
But, it is this mix of Chinese pride, and the will to stand up to the Japanese, who in the film begin to assassinate every Westerner or Chinese person who is against them, that brings a sense of depth to the story. A "death" list that is leaked, prompts one man to take actions into his own hands. Or I should say, in his own way. With the assistance of the press, and the police, there is a new sheriff in town.
For a good part of the film, we get to see incredibly talented stunt-men pull off amazing action sequences, and my favorite scenes are the ones where Donnie Chen dons a costume, making himself know as the "masked" superhero. LOVED THIS. My only complaint is that there was not enough of this through out the film, yet still, the film is a hybrid of comic superhero and martial arts; let's just say it was awesome.
And as any superhero knows, there is always the love interest... The woman you want to care for... The woman you want to save... But something is amiss.... Would she do the same for you?
I absolutely adored the 20's setting in the beautiful club called "Casablanca". I loved it being in Shanghai, kind of wanted Indiana Jones to join Chen Zhen (Donnie Yen). And last, the movie had a great plot, and a well deserved, but heartbreaking ending. Perfect martial art film. This is opening in Hawaii theatres today. Check it out if it's in a theatre near you.
This film gets four kicks to the gut!
Donnie Yen - Chen Zhen
Shu Qi - Kiki Anthony Wong - Master Liu
Huang Bo - Huan
1 comments:
I'm SO immature, this title makes me chuckle. Hmm, I need to see where this is playing here in NY and see if I can check it out.
Post a Comment