PAINTED FACES is a slow-moving biopic for those of us who are fans of the three greats of Hong Kong action cinema of the 1980s - namely Jackie, Sammo and Yuen. This film explores their childhood in the famous Peking Opera School, following them through rehearsing, training, acrobatics and finally acting, looking at the origins of a team who would go on to win international stardom. It's a respectful and sympathetic film, certainly not an action movie despite the presence of Sammo Hung in the lead role, one that focuses on childhood friendship and bonding. The film presents a slice-of-life snapshot of life at the school in the 1960s and helps to capture a lost moment; it's often quite wistful in tone. Watch out for Cheng Pei Pei and Lam Ching-Ying in support.
Review of Painted Faces
