Genre: Drama

Despite ‘The Lovers’ undoubted quality, it proves to be short of the magic that it often hints at. Parts of this film therefore prove to be greater than it as a whole.

This film has no happy endings or easy ways out; it grips on to its audience and just refuses to let go.

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

With a director of considerable merit, a cast of fine performers and action that, while not exactly trail-blazing, is certainly very watchable, ‘The Magnificent Trio’ is another good release from Celestial.

Despite the potential of being a great otaku rom-com and having two good actors playing the brothers, two hours worth of minor incident and low-key humour quickly outstay their welcome.

While it may not be the most original entry into the genre, ‘The Mar’s Villa’ contains just the right mix of drama and intrigue interspersed with a number of enthralling action scenes.

An interesting premise is given a reasonable treatment by experienced director Herman Yau and well-played by a very capable cast.

It is an elegant, richly designed and photographed tale of love from beyond the grave that rarely bothers itself with the imagery or shock-tactic clichés of the genre.

‘The Mermaid’ has the feel-good factor and is probably as good a rom-com as you’re likely to see this year. Yet that somehow doesn’t seem enough from a film-maker like Chow.

While ‘The Miracle Box’ is an imperfect drama, it is without a doubt a film that benefits from a few exceptional performances.

Within this wonderfully crafted and thoroughly satisfying film is enough reasons to have full assurance in the future of Hong Kong cinema.

The stand-out feature is the abundant fight scenes that are not only exciting, but also have a level of imagination not always seen in independent kung-fu cinema.