Cast Member: Lau Shun

Jacob Cheung’s celebrated drama is that magical juxtaposition of gritty social commentary and absorbing character study that many lesser directors aspire to replicate.

‘Dragon from Russia’ is best described as a group of excellent fight sequences strung together by a rather muddled plot and some curious casting.

‘Kung Fu vs. Acrobatic’ is bizarre. Very importantly though, it is also an entertaining and pleasantly silly film.

Joyce Godenzi accepts the lead role with real grace and, like Michelle Yeoh before her, is a flawless mixture of fighting prowess and femininity.

‘Love In The Time Of Twilight’ is the kind of film that starts awkwardly but increases in stature as the story continues.

May disappoint die-hard action fans, but would prove a good introduction to swordplay style films, especially for the H.K uninitiated and Hollywood lovers.

Hark combines a well-paced and beautifully photographed narrative with strong characters and exciting fight action.

Tsui Hark very cleverly realised that topping the fight action in part 2 would be almost impossible, and adopted a different style accordingly.

The action (ladder fight excepted) is equal to part 1, but not the dramatic element, and it is certainly not the equal of part 2 for fight choreography.

For those that hate the frequent use of wire-fu (like me), you better look elsewhere as action choreography for this film relies heavily upon its use.

A great set up is unfortunately wasted via odd creative choices, too much focus on comedy-romance and a reliance on grating theatrics.

If the rest of the film had been as good as the last half hour then ‘Prince of the Sun’ would be more fondly remembered.