Shanghai Shanghai

Rating:
Summary: Shanghai Shanghai
Review: I am a little let down with this one. I'm not sure what catagory this movie was intened for but given the cast I thought it was a martial arts movie. If this was its goal I'm afraid it comes up a bit short. There is some sparse action sprinkled about, but it's not enough for it to get by on. Sammo Hung and Anita Mui only get one chance to show off their skills near the end, and even then is is only a fair display of their talents. As for the story line, maby it was just poorly subtiled. I had an unusualy difficult time trying to make sense of what was going on and who people were. Still if you are a fan of the cast, some of it is rather enjoyable and worth seeing once. A little tip, stick with the Mandarin track, the Cantonese needs help. If your looking for something to own along the same lines I recomend "My Father is a Hero." with Jet Li and Anita Mui.

Rating:
Summary: wish I'd watched it sooner
Review: This film takes place at the end of an era as Chang Kai Shek's rule of China comes into conflict with the growing people's revolution. Set against this historical backdrop is a tale of cops, mobsters, stolen money, a nightclub, and the dreams of a pair of brothers... one a cop, one flirting with the wrong side of the law.

I originally watched this just because Sammo Hung is in it, but found myself paying attention all the way through because of the story. Aside from the action, it's a story about allegiances/responsibilities and dreams coming into conflict.

It's more than just an action film, though somewhat less than a great historical drama, and it seems to have trouble deciding which it wants to be more, thus only three stars.

The juxtaposition of the action element with a fairly complex historical plot is a bit hard to reconcile for both the viewer (and it seems the filmmakers too), but the historical element is what really makes it worth watching if you enjoy both history and action.

Rating:
Summary: The Romance of History
Review: This film takes place at the end of an era as Chang Kai Shek's rule of China comes into conflict with the growing people's revolution. Set against this historical backdrop is a tale of cops, mobsters, stolen money, a nightclub, and the dreams of a pair of brothers... one a cop, one flirting with the wrong side of the law.

I originally watched this just because Sammo Hung is in it, but found myself paying attention all the way through because of the story. Aside from the action, it's a story about allegiances/responsibilities and dreams coming into conflict.

It's more than just an action film, though somewhat less than a great historical drama, and it seems to have trouble deciding which it wants to be more, thus only three stars.

The juxtaposition of the action element with a fairly complex historical plot is a bit hard to reconcile for both the viewer (and it seems the filmmakers too), but the historical element is what really makes it worth watching if you enjoy both history and action.

Rating:
Summary: wish I'd watched it sooner
Review: This movie was very interesting. As with most of Sammo's movies, they're always great, but rather confusing at times..maybe its because the lack of translation with the Chinese/English. But if you're a fan of Sammo or Yuen, you shouldn't be disappointed. I bought the movie just because the incredibly talented Mr. Biao is in it..never disappoints me..His pole scene at the beginning is fantastic, running through a mine field hysterical..and the fight between Sammo and Yuen was awesome. I had this dvd for 6 months before I watched it. Now I wish I had watched it sooner. Anita Mui has "quite a set of legs" as my guy friends put it! She's incredible. Don't watch it for the history, watch it if you like the cast.

Rating:
Summary: Very nice movie
Review: Very interesting story. Creative ideas. Nice characters. George Lam is GREAT!