Writer: Tsui Hark

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.

In a relatively short time Yee creates a fascinating martial world every bit as involving as the visions that Chor Yuen used to put together years before.

The viewer is treated to a visual feast that fully sketches out this almost mythical setting – kudos once more to director and cinematographer.

It’s no surprise that this Tsui Hark comedy was a box-office smash as it allows the viewer to enjoy superior character interaction and sharp comic routines.

‘The East Is Red’ ends the popular series with a visual bang that pummels the viewer relentlessly. Unfortunately the exercise is very much one of style over substance and the overall effect is a bewildering one.

‘The Era Of Vampires’ fails to capitalise on a concept that could have turned out to be a solid film given enough care. It does raise interest from time to time but is unable to sustain that interest.

It has its faults and no-one could call it the greatest movie ever made. Importantly though, this is a fabulous example of how a combination of technology and innovation can still wow the jaded viewer.

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.

In what could be described as a mixture of Indiana Jones and well-known Hong Kong film traits, ‘The Raid’ is a very entertaining 100 minutes of action/comedy.

Dizzying, dazzling, and no doubt divisive, ‘Time and Tide’ has lost none of its verve or kinetic creativity and shows a Hong Kong master at his most creative and impulsive.

In truth, this is not a great movie, with nothing new added to the age old “separated brothers” story and some bad special effects.

‘Young Detective Dee: Rise Of The Sea Dragon’ is involving fare with enough action and impetus to distract the most critical eye.