Genre: Romance

With plaudits earned by each and every department, it goes without saying that this is a work of art. Slow-moving, yet deeply effecting, ‘The Floating Landscape’ is undoubtedly one of the best films of 2003.

With more cheese than a Mini Babybel factory, ‘The Flying Mr. B’ is about as dated as Hong Kong comedy gets.

‘The Fun, The Luck And The Tycoon’ is not hilarious or particularly side-splitting, but the humour is such that it hits the mark in a subtle manner.

Only in Japan would a book like ‘The Great Passage’ catch the public imagination, only in Japan would someone then think that this might translate to the big screen and only in Japan would it be a rousing success.

Director Derek Nguyen orchestrates some nifty scares and some lush visuals with his Eastern ‘The Woman in Black’ vibe and leading lady Kate Nhung also keeps everything on track with her committed performance.

‘The Iceman Cometh’ remains one of Biao’s finest leading man moments. It’s packed full of great performances, enjoyable kung fu fights and a very unique story.

This slice of social-realism is about as far from the stereotypical Shaw Brothers output as can be imagined, though that should not deter viewers looking out for this well-acted, well-paced piece of Hong Kong cinema.

The laughs can be a bit too parochial for inexperienced viewers while the sudden mood change from touching romance to typically surreal canto-humour may be too jarring for some.

The film is at times prey to quick-cut, music video camera work, but there is enough heart in this quirky little gem to ensure there is plenty of substance alongside the style.

‘The Killer’s Love’ has a bark that’s certainly worse than it’s bite and it remains an enjoyable ninety minutes.

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.

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.