dragon12 Reviews

The Water Margin (1973– )

The ancient says

[10/10 · 15 May 2002]

"The ancient sages said 'Do not despise the snake for having no horns, for who is to say it will not become a dragon?' So may one just man become an army. Nearly a thousand years ago in ancient China, at the time of the Sung dynasty, there was a cruel and corrupt government. These men riding are outlaws, heroes who have been driven to live in the water margins of Liang Shan Po, far to the south of the capital city. Each fights tyranny with a price on his head, in a world very different from our own. The story starts in legend even then, for our heroes, so it was said, were perhaps the souls reborn of other, earlier knights."

This tv serie was shown in the 80th on TV and since then I have been a big fan of Asian movies. Just watch it and enjoy it.

A Moment of Romance (1990)

melodrama pur

[8/10 · 7 May 2002]

A surprising gem that reaches the highest standard of genre storytelling, pushing its limits into the realm of true art, that which challenges AND moves its viewer. It may be Andy Lau Tak-wah's best role to date. The plot involves gangster Lau's affair with a young rich girl. The melodrama however, quickly reveals itself as the profile of a man desperate to salvage the last scrap of his own moral code. The foolish but romantic character of the upper class teenaged May is best seen as the flesh and blood manifestation of Lau's secret wish for a clean, happy life that he can never have. She represents his own moral potential that could never have flowered in a life devoid of family love and filled instead with poverty, corruption and desperation. Rising just enough above his fellow gangsters to know that he has missed something precious, he recognizes his own lost innocence in the young girl he has taken hostage. His gang brothers demand that he kill her. But, unable to overcome the last vestige of decency left in him. He lets her go instead. This choice, this one act of honor has profound unforseeable consequences for his life and his character. This film delivers hard boiled action, a fragile love story and and a pithy character study for Lau. It explores the personal cost of embracing moral action, the responsibilities of caring and ultimately asks what defines a worthy life. (from Andylausound)

Shaolin Soccer (2001)

funny till the end

[8/10 · 12 November 2001]

This was the funniest Hong Kong-movie I have ever seen. It becomes even better if you know a bit of Martial arts and soccer. As seen in the end Shaolin bowling would be interesting too. I can only recommend the DVD - be careful there are special stuff hidden in the movie.

The Duel (2000)

Fantastic and funny

[9/10 · 25 October 2001]

Just a film to be recommended to all Martial Arts Fan. Specially the James Bond perciflage in ancient China. It´s really funny and has good stunts. The final fight between the 2 masters which results in fighting only with energy is a great idea. Just rent the DVD and have a enjoyable evening.