zoo-8 Reviews

Dream Lovers (1986)

MESMERIZING!

[10/10 · 2 August 1999]

A hypnotic film, one of the finest romance mysteries ever filmed. Tony Au's direction is awe-inspiring. His background as an art director is readily apparent in this beautifully conceived and shot film.

Chow Yun-Fat and Brigitte Lin have their incredible talents used to the hilt in this romantic mystery about a pair of tragic lovers from 2100 years before now reincarnated in modern Hong Kong. No film has better illustrated the adage that the course of true love never runs smooth.

Erotic, lyrical, shamelessly romantic yet never sentimental. A stunning masterpiece which rivals any of the classic French films of the modern era.

5 of 5 stars for cast, director, cinematographer and writer. Superb.

The God of Cookery (1996)

One of the funniest films ever made!

[10/10 · 1 August 1999]

You don't have to be a devotee of Hong Kong cinema to love this delightfully silly spoof movie. While you might enjoy this film even *more* if you recognize the targets of its barbs, each gag stands alone. Karen Mok as Sister Turkey is one of the finest comedic portrayals I've seen in quite a while. Of course Stephen Chow, one of Hong Kong's most famous actors, gives a typically over-the-top performance as one of the world's great weasels turned... well, not exactly a good guy, but at least a bit *less* of the weasel.

Lots of genres get their turn in this film: martial arts movies, cooking shows, Chinese television commercials, you name it. A definite must for HK cinema fans or for anyone who likes to laugh out loud at films which are silly and witty at the same time.

All About Ah-Long (1989)

One of Chow Yun-Fat's best performances.

[10/10 · 1 August 1999]

Chow Yun-Fat gives a heart-rending performance as Ah Long, a single dad struggling to bring up his son amidst crushing working-class poverty in 1980's Hong Kong. The strong bond between father and son is tested when a chance encounter with someone from Ah Long's past changes the course of their lives.

Gritty in its realism, this film pulls no punches in examining the life of an admitted wastrel who wants more than the life of an uneducated laborer for his son but sees no more hope for himself. No matter how heinous his behavior in the past, when his son's happiness is challenged Ah Long shines forth as a man of honor, compassion and love.

Chow Yun-Fat's performance is daring and showcases his brilliant talents. He also has a writer's credit in this film. For those who are dismissive of action films (the genre for which he is best known), this film should make believers of all those who savor finely crafted, razor-sharp characterizations.

5 out of 5 stars. Don't forget to bring along a full box of tissues - this film will leave all but the most jaded in tears.

God of Gamblers (1989)

Gentle comedy and hard-hitting action seamlessly melded

[10/10 · 1 August 1999]

If you like action movies, this film is for you. If you like gentle comedy, this film is also for you. If you've only seen Chow Yun-Fat playing suave, "hard boiled" killers this film is *definitely* one you should see. Breathtaking action sequences pepper a sweet plot about the triumph of innocence over arrogance and the power of love and friendship.

Plus you get to see Chow Yun-Fat walking around with Mickey Mouse balloons.

5 stars out of 5. One of my favorite HK comedies.

A Better Tomorrow II (1987)

Sequels are usually not as good as originals...

[1 August 1999]

... and this movie is no exception. For fans of violent action for its own sake only; those who are expecting the drama and terse emotion of the original will be disappointed.

An unfortunate waste of the talents of Chow Yun-Fat and Leslie Cheung, but as usual the action sequences are lovingly crafted by John Woo.