Cast Member: Lee Fung

‘b420’ moves from a potentially arresting low-key beginning to a middle section that throws together predictable sub-plots, then Matthew Tang switches to a thriller for the final twenty minutes.

The major problem with ‘Fighting For Love’ is the fact that the leading characters are so unsympathetic that the viewer cares little about their fight to be together.

‘First Option’ is definitely a high scorer on the cheese scale, but luckily it’s also loaded with some original action scenes that make it worth your while.

Amusing (though never crude) and nostalgic (though never overly sentimental), Riley Yip’s gentle ‘coming-of-age’ comedy/drama earns a major recommendation.

If you approach a film of this nature, with this cast, with this storyline and with this lack of imagination, there is very little sympathy you (or indeed I) should expect.

The idea of an introspective love story may not sound too appealing, but this is the kind of film that truly rewards the patient viewer.

The concept may take a little getting used to, but ‘Love For All Seasons’ is a superior vehicle for Sammi Cheng and an enjoyable mixture of zany plot twists, comedy and romance.

It’s hard to think of a film that attempts to mix so many elements together, trying to please just about every potential viewer.

The thought that Ekin Cheng would end up falling in love with her is so ludicrous that it renders the whole film frustrating to a critical extent.

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.

Alan Mak’s uninvolving film lacks a real narrative hook and an empathetic romance, but most of all it lacks the needed sentiment that covers a multitude of cinematic sins.

‘The Mad Phoenix’ has moments that offer the kind of promise that make the finished product all the more disappointing.