Rating: 4.0

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

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.

‘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.

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

‘Seven Warriors’ does not compare to the flawless epic that inspired it, but it’s encouraging to report that this is well worth watching.

‘Shanghai Blues’ is, overall, superior entertainment, but by the time the end credits roll its hard not to think of what might have been.

‘Shanghai Noon’ is not as action packed or original as some of Chan’s early efforts, but it is still one of his best American outings to date.

The dramatic framework is sturdy enough to make ‘Shaolin’ emotionally engaging, while the Yuen Kwai-orchestrated action is a delightful throwback to the Golden Age.

There are some plot holes that become apparent as the film continues, but good quality action and a fine cast cover a multitude of sins.

It boasts some top notch fight scenes which are further enhanced by another standout performance from the late great Lo Lieh.

‘Shaolin Intruders’ doesn’t offer any of the genre-defining moments that leap out of the true masterpieces of the genre.

Although an above average kung-fu flick (as you’d expect from Chang Cheh) this is one of the weakest of the Venoms films.