Author: Andrew Saroch

Chor Yuen is once again painstaking in his vision of the visual ambience of the martial world, while he also gets fine performances out of his cast.

Far more subtle than Chow Sing Chi, but certainly as funny, ‘Security Unlimited’ is an excellent introduction to the world of the Hui brothers.

As is sadly the case with many of the current crop of 3D films, ‘Sector 7’ is another cinematic Potemkin village.

The one thing in the film’s favour is some passable fisticuffs though even this becomes repetitive after the hundredth faceless drone is punched in the head at the end.

Although the film is nearly 25 years old, the action is not dated and serves as a breath of fresh air after a decade dominated by wirework.

This sequel doesn’t match the original, but there are enough fresh ideas to make it watchable.

When the focus is on the more interesting science fiction narrative, director Lau succeeds in throwing in some surprising touches.

‘Sealed With A Kiss’ has the raw promise of a director to watch in the future, but intersperses this with a general lack of focus.

Lau Ching-Wan is simply stunning in the role of Root, putting so much delicate charm and humility in his part that it’s impossible for the viewer not to empathise with him.

This comedy succeeds because of its wit and characterisation, two attributes that go hand-in-hand in the better efforts of the genre.

The slightly absurdist Japanese style means that the film is very much an acquired taste, likely to baffle as many as it might amuse.

With a startling visual style and innovative action aplenty, ‘Saviour Of The Soul’ ranks among the very best of the Hong Kong fantasy genre.