A Witness Out of the Blue Review 2019 Hong Kong 犯罪現場

A Witness Out of the Blue 犯罪現場
Year: 2019
Director: Andrew Fung
Writer: Andrew Fung
Cast: Louis Koo, Louis Cheung, Jessica Hsuan, Cherry Ngan, Philip Keung
Running Time: 104 minutes
Country: Hong Kong

Louis and Louis deliver great performances in this sleek crime thriller.

An offbeat award-winning Hong Kong murder mystery that’s part police thriller and part Freudian psychodrama. After a criminal is found dead, police suspect that the murder is linked to an earlier violent jewellery store robbery, with the only witness being a talking parrot. Also known as a screenwriter for Stephen Chow and Johnnie To, Fung Chih-chiang has previously tackled the western, musical and media satire genres, and continues to surprise with his highly entertaining fourth directorial outing, which offers a fresh, fun perspective on the detective noir, and boasts a fantastic ensemble cast.

Writer/Director Andrew Fung is back, and this time he dips his toes into the crime genre. While the script might seem a little convoluted, the mystery and performances are strong enough to keep the film entertaining throughout.

The ever-reliable Louis Koo shines once again and proves to the haters why he seems to be in nearly every commercial Hong Kong film released in the past two years. Koo plays the character Sean Wong, a criminal with some heart. He's bad, but he's not all bad. Right? Wong is an intriguing character that has his faults but is still likeable. There is a side story with him living in an apartment with elderly people and a partially sighted woman that seems tonally different from the majority of the film. The main story is often pretty dark but they managed to provide some laughs and heartwarming moments with the introduction of these characters. The change in tones might be jarring for some people, for others it might be a welcome break.

The rest of the main cast are all great in their roles. While Louis Cheung plays Larry Lam as a a good-guy cop, he's also not exactly good at his job. And this is something that works in the film's favour. Lam is constantly getting into bother or getting one-upped by criminals. But because they have established him as a nice guy, you end up anxious and fearing the worst for him. Philip Keung is another extremely reliable actor and he keeps viewers on their toes in his role as the Police Inspector. And last but not least, the parrot. The parrot is an interesting plot device that really starts to have more purpose later on, but it definitely has charm and made me laugh more than once.

The cinematography is good, but also plain. The film looks polished, but also kind of flat. Some of the shots look great, but then some look repetitious. This might seem like nitpicking, but from a thriller like this, you would expect more style. The look is very similar to a bunch of recent Hong Kong films such as The White Storm 2 or Integrity. They look fine overall, maybe even good at times, but it feels like they could do more stylistically.

While the plot might be a little convoluted, it's also intriguing and full of twists to keep you engaged. Some viewers might be able to guess what is going on, but they throw enough at you to make you question yourself. There are some fun set pieces throughout to keep the action fans happy, and the conclusion of the film is very memorable. They manage to go out with a bang rather than a whimper.

7/10

A Witness Out of the Blue is streaming as part of the Focus Hong Kong Film Festival from the 9th of February at 10:00 GMT until the 15th of February at 23:59 GMT.

Takeshi Kitano's Films Ranked Best To Worst

My first article is up on Taste Of Cinema.

It's a comprehensive list ranking all of Takeshi Kitano's directorial filmography from best to worst.

Give it a read. And let me know what you think.

Thanks!

A Better Tomorrow 2012 Review South Korea 무적자

A Better Tomorrow 무적자
Year: 2010
Director: Song Hae-sung
Writers:Kim Hyo-seok, Lee Taek-gyeong, Choi Geun-mo, Kim Hae-gon
Cast: Joo Jin-mo, Song Seung-heon, Kim Kang-woo, Jo Han-sun
Running Time: 124 minutes
Country: South Korea

This South Korean remake of the original Hong Kong classic is a dramatic action thriller which sadly lacks the charm of the John Woo original.

A Better Tomorrow tells the story of Hyuk (Jin-mo), who lives the fast life as a high-ranking mobster in Busan, South Korea with his closest pal, fellow mobster Lee Young-Chun (Seung-heon). Hyuk is haunted by the memory of leaving behind his younger brother Chul (Kang-woo) and mother as they attempted to flee into South Korea from North Korea. In a set-up, Hyuk by the police and jailed. Three years later, he is released and travels back to Busan to find his younger brother Chul now a high-ranking police officer. Hyuk tries to earn back the trust of his brother, but rejection and betrayal are hard to forget. Things come to a head when Young-Chun pulls Hyuk into doing one last gig. It happen to be the case that Officer Chul is in charge of, and the three brothers meet again one final time.

The first thing you'll notice about this film is how great it looks. The remake is very aesthetically pleasing, with stunning cinematography and exciting locations. In terms of Korean budgets, it looks very well accomplished and a big step up from the original which was produced with a very tight budget.

While it's not a direct shot-for-shot remake, the story still focuses on the themes of loyalty and brotherhood. The theme of 'heroic bloodshed' is still there. But as it's Korean there is a lot more emphasis on the dramatics, even during the wild action scenes. There is actually too much emphasis on the drama without any of the fun and laughs of the original, which helped balance out a violent and somber tale.

To keep the storyline feeling fresh, the writers have changed some elements and plot points and also added in many Korean traits. Most of which works in it's favour. The brothers now have an origin of being North Korean defectors who fled to South Korea for a better life, and in turn, got wrapped up in the world of gangsters. Another plot point which helped the story progress was rather than being counterfeiters like in the original, they now work as arm traffickers. While this doesn't make the characters any more likeable or relatable, it does explain why they have easy access to guns for the shoot outs... and believe me, there are an abundance of guns to go around.

The shoot-outs are all filmed extremely well and the choreography is great. The action is fast paced and relentless. And the hits are violent and bloody. It's everything you really want, only with a bit too much drama sometimes placed in the middle of them, especially in the lead up to the finale when it crosses over in to melodrama territory. 

Each of the main actors did a fine job in their roles. But a big issue is that none of them really stood out or seemed that different from each other. They were all a bit samey. Except of course, Lee Young-choon. He really is a bad-ass character and comes across as tough as nails. Easily the coolest character in the film, but unfortunately he doesn't have the charisma of Chow Yun-fat's Brother Mark. There is a plenty of exposition and character development throughout but you really don't start to care for characters until around the final third of the film, and by then, it's almost too late. But what a bloody exciting finale!

In it's own right, A Better Tomorrow 2010 is a decent enough film. It doesn't ever feel like a waste of time watching it. But the problem is, there are better Korean action films already out there, like The Man From Nowhere and A Bittersweet Life. And, it doesn't have to compete with just them, it also has to match up to the original. Which is ultimately fails at equaling. 

6.5/10

10 Upcoming Hong Kong Films You Should Be Excited About!

The golden age of Hong Kong cinema is clearly long gone. And although they still produce some great films every now and again, it's nothing compared to the amount of brilliant films they used to churn out regularly in the 80s and 90s.
However, it looks like that could all be about to change. With lots of exciting new information coming out of this years Filmart, it looks like the next couple of years could be filled with great films. I thought I would focus on some that I am most looking forward to.

Shock Wave (拆彈專家)

An action crime thriller directed by Herman Yau (The Mobfathers) and produced by and starring Andy Lau. Released in Hong Kong in April 2017.

Cheung Choi-san (Andy Lau) is a senior inspector of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau (EOD). Seven years ago, he went undercover and became the protege of Hung Kai-pang (Jiang Wu - A Touch Of Sin), a top wanted criminal specializing in bombs. Cheung successfully disintegrated Hung's criminal gang, but during the operation, Hung manages to escape while his younger brother and allies were captured. To seek revenge for Cheung's betrayal, Hung comes back seven years later and prepares to plant a series bombs in Hong Kong, which creates public panic.

The Brink (狂兽)

Upcoming Hong Kong action thriller directed by newcomer Jonathan Li, and produced by Soi Cheang and Paco Wong.

The Brink follows an ex-cop who gets caught in the line of fire when a smuggler launches a revenge attack on his godfather. Featuring the cast of Max Zhang (Ip Man 3), Shawn Yue (Wild City), Gordon Lam (Trivisa), Janice Man (Helios) and Wu Yue (Cold War 2).

Paradox (貪狼)

Another upcoming action film this time from Hong Kong action director Wilson Yip(Ip Man/SPL). With Sammo Hung handling the action choreography and Louis Koo (Call of Heroes) and Tony Jaa (SPL 2) starring, there is plenty to be excited about.

A police negotiator travels to Bangkok to search for his teenage daughter and is aided by local detectives played by Tony Jaa and Wu Yue. Along the way, he encounters the mastermind of an organ trafficking gang (Chris Collins), leading to a series of hot pursuit.

Drug Warn aka The Fixer (毒。诫)

Lawrence Lau directs Drug Warn previously known as The Fixer. Starring Sean Lau (Mad Detective), Louis Koo (Line Walker), Max Zhang (Ip Man 3) and Gordon Lam (Trivisa).

Drug Warn is a crime drama based on a true story about a Hong Kong gangster due for release later this year.

Taste of Crime (低压槽)

Nick Cheung's (Hungry Ghost Ritual/Keeper of Darkness) third time as a director will be action crime thriller Taste of Crime.

Starring Nick Cheung (Line Walker), Xu Jinglei (The Warlords) and Yu Nan (Wolf Warriors), the film tells the story of an undercover cop who unveils collusion between the highest level of government and the triads.

Love Off The Cuff (春嬌救志明)

Director Pang Ho-Cheung returns with his romantic comedy Love series. The follow up to Love In A Puff and Love In The Buff, is the third in the series Love Off The Cuff. Released in April 2017 in Hong Kong.

Miriam Yeung (Little Big Master) and Shawn Yue (Wild City) return and this time the couple go to Taiwan, their relationship gets tested when Jimmy’s(Yue) childhood friend asks him to donate sperm for her artificial insemination.

Chasing The Dragon (追龍)

Director Wong Jing brings real life 1970s gangster Crippled Ho (Donnie Yen - Ip Man) to life in a new crime drama. Andy Lau (The Great Wall) also stars, reprising his Lee Rock character.

The film follows Ng Sek-ho (aka Crippled Ho) as his days from an illegal immigrant through his rise to becoming one of Hong Kong's most powerful drug lords.

The Invincible Dragon (Made in Kowloon)

Director Fruit Chan (Dumplings) brings us The Invincible Dragon, formally known as Made in Kowloon.

Starring Max Zhang (Ip Man 3), Juju Chan (Sword of Destiny) and MMA icon Anderson Silva, this is an action film which was filmed in Hong Kong and Macau. The story follows a detective on the trail of a serial killer who may have abducted his fiance.

Cheung Tin-Chi

More Max Zhang! Oh Yes!

A spin off from the Ip Man series. Max Zhang's character from Ip Man 3 'Cheung Tin-Chi' gets his own film. Also starring Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Tony Jaa (Skin Trade) and Dave Bautista (Guardians of The Galaxy). And being directed by legendary Yuen Woo-Ping, there is plenty to be excited about!

Going in to production later this year!

Ip Man 4

Wow! Donnie Yen is back as the legendary Ip Man!Wilson Yip is returning as director and Yuen Woo Ping is on fight choreography.

Probably wont be out until late 2018.

There is plenty to be optimistic about and the future of Hong Kong cinema is looking extremely positive!

Police Story Lockdown 2013 Review China 警察故事2013

Police Story: Lockdown (aka Police Story 2013)

Although this entrant is probably the weakest of the Police Story series, it is still a decent dramatic thriller with JC getting to execute his acting chops.

Police Captain Zhong Wen (Chan) knows all about sacrifice. He's always been too busy chasing bad guys to be a father to his daughter, Miao. Tonight however, he's seeing her for the first time in years, and meeting her fiance, club owner, Wu Jiang (Liu Ye, Curse of the Golden Flower). But, Wu has a dark side, and a secret score to settle with his soon-to-be father in law, and plans to take Zhong, Miao and the whole club hostage. Only Zhong can avert the carnage, but is he willing to risk everything to stop this night going down in history?

First you need to realise that Jackie was nearly 60 when this was made. Don't go in expecting his fast paced Kung Fu and incredible stunts. Instead you will get a more dramatic story with some small more grounded action scenes.



Jackie has adopted a MMA style in the sparse fight scenes we get in Lockdown. The main fight being a one on one inside a cage which is hard hitting and brutal. This is actually a very well done fight and the newly adopted style takes any humour out of the fight along with adding believability. The bulk of the action is over by that point, and we don't get the usual big action finale like in old school Jackie films. The end fight is more of a tussle, although it is still executed rather excitingly.

The story is very compelling with twists and turns along the way which all lead up to the big reveal. Although the reveal is exciting, there is too much exposition. There are a lot of flashbacks to explain what happened which can be a little tiresome. In fact this is prominent throughout most of the film. This ends up being convoluted with the villains main plan being questionable.




Police Story Lockdown looks brilliant and has a great style. Director Ding Sheng(Little Big Soldier) has an eye for detail and delivers stylish productions. This puts it ahead of a lot of mainland China and Hong Kong films just in terms of look and visuals. However, the editing in Lockdown is pretty wild, so many quick cuts can be jarring. The fight scenes could have been filmed in this way as Jackie has aged and can’t go as well as he used to. But it's edited like this throughout, even in slow dialogue scenes. It does seem to become less noticeable and persistent as the film progresses.

The main thing to take away from Lockdown is that Jackie is a superb actor. He really delivers those dramatic scenes so well. His face is always full of emotion to the point were if Jackie is sad, then you are sad. Many people have complained there isn't enough action in this film. But Jackie has gave us so much of his health and body over the years that now he can really do whatever the hell he wants. He is getting older and slowing down, but he is an action star who is aging gracefully.

Worth a watch
7/10

Cops And Robbers Review 1979 Hong Kong 點指兵兵

Hong Kong new wave thriller 'Cops and Robbers' is brutal, exciting and very effective.

Sergeant Chan Lap Kei(Wong Chung) leads his team including fresh faced Pretty Boy(Cheung Kwok Keung) on a mission to bring down a gang of bank robbers. Unfortunately their maniacal leader Biu(Hui Bing Sam) manages to escape and goes on a murderous rampage of revenge against the cops and their unsuspecting families.

Directed by Alex Cheung in 1979, this was actually made before the heroic bloodshed era began and it probably helped inspire the likes of John Woo, Johnnie To and Ringo Lam. While having violent and bloody shootouts, Cops and Robbers also focuses on themes of brotherhood and loyalty.

Each character’s story and relationships are built up effectively so when the time come for them to confront the psychopath Biu, you actually care for them. And when characters start getting killed off, it is a genuine worry. The last half hour is incredibly nail biting as it gets more brutal and violent and literally no one is safe.

Director Cheung often let's the story take a back seat while the action unfolds. From violent in your face shoot outs to great chase scenes, there is plenty of action to enjoy. The heist scenes are extremely tense, gritty and realistic. Another real highlight of the film is an incredible foot chase of the cops hunting Biu through a shanty town which is brought to life wonderfully, an intriguing and exciting edge of the seat scene which shows how great a director Alex Cheung is.

All of the actors deliver a fine job, although their performances aren't what captures your interest. Hui Bing Sam does deserve special credit for his role as Biu. He is genuinely one of the most frightening villains in any Cop thriller. He gets more and more psychotic as the story unfolds to the point were he becomes a complete maniac.

Cops And Robbers may be very dated in some ways. Technically speaking, it doesn't look as polished or stylish as recent Hong Kong thrillers. There are also some scenes which would be omitted if this was made now such as the intro with the kids and the musical numbers. But the story, themes and characters are still very relevant to this day and the film still holds up wonderfully while its 90+ minute running time zooms by. Cops And Robbers is definitely due a remastered release before it is lost for good and we are all robbed of a classic.

A must see part of history for Hong Kong cinephiles.

8/10