| # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
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| Return Of The Chinese Boxer (1974) Directed by: Jimmy Wang Yu |
Jimmy Wang Yu's follow-up to The Chinese Boxer, which he directed for Shaw's. This Taiwanese independent production ranks as poor in most regards but after the long trek towards the hour mark, Jimmy finally wakes up and gives us some of that wonderful inspired lunacy that really was the driving force of movies such as One-Armed Boxer and Master Of The Flying Guillotine. Best out there-moment being the reanimated Thai fighters (one of them being the late Blackie Ko). |
| Return Of The Demon (1988) Directed by: Wong Ying |
There's few that can rival the goofy horror mayhem of 80s Hong Kong cinema but very few who could make it extremely insane in a very compelling way. Clearly director Wong Ying (yes, that's NOT schlockmeister Wong Jing) is no Nam Nai Choi when it comes to this, even though what's on offer is has all the opportunities to rival the likes of The Seventh Curse. The various set pieces probably do go on for a bit too long (such as the one where Charlie Cho turns into a dog) but it's nonetheless unique Hong Kong entertainment, one that maybe new viewers won't be so critical of. While it's really a small nugget of momentum on offer, much of it is lost in the latter stages and the finale becomes much of a chore to get through. The last few minutes amps the gore and excitement however, ending Return Of The Demon on a slightly better note. The Seventh Curse should be your first stop if you want an experience like this, Wong Ying's movie...roundabout spot 12 on that list, if you have one. Starring Shing Fui On, Robert Mak, Emily Chu, Wu Ma, Dick Wei, To Siu Ming, Nat Chan (who along with Charlie Cho for once that does not play a happy, horny character) and Chui Sau Lai. Buy the VCD at: |
| Return Of The Evil Fox (1991) Directed by: Leung Joh-Chi |
The fight against Fox Elf starts many generations back and is destined to conclude in the modern world of 1991 where the white paws of the Evil Fox turn up again. Chiang Wu (Wu Fung), his daughters Yu (Sandra Ng), Little Yu (Charine Chan), Mainland relative Hwa (Ng Gong) and a triad turned Catholic priest (Shing Fui-On) fight back. Michael Lai as a building security guard and Charlie Cho turn up to be hassled and get laid respectively... Opening in a very energetic and goofy fashion but soon cutting to the dragged out, barely interconnected silliness, it's classic Hong Kong cinema where lack of focus and viewer frustration is part of the fun mostly. Unconnected tangents include Wu Fung thinking Ng Gong has gambling skills he can capitalize on, Sandra Ng falling for Hwa but Hwa falling for Charine Chan naturally and on the subject of naturally, there's naturally a lot of stretches of dead film. But it all perks up via some spirit battles, the multiple sights of the white, furry paws of Fox Elf and Shing Fui-On stealing the show as the converted triad. It's not boring, largely unfunny and also quick, harmless run of the mill 90s Hong Kong product. Up to you if you deem that acceptable. |
| Return Of The One-Armed Swordsman (1969) Directed by: Chang Cheh |
"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!" For Chang Cheh's sequel to the influential and successful One-Armed Swordsman, he consciously leaves much of the character drama behind to deliver an almost constant stream of gory weapons-action. Thankfully though, he hasn't fully forgotten the emotional core of the first film, and Return Of The One-Armed Swordsman wouldn't have been as terrific without the 1967 effort as its backbone. Fang Gang (Jimmy Wang Yu, reprising his famous role) made his choice at the end of the first film to leave the martial arts world behind in favour of his love towards Xiaoshan (Ciao Ciao). As these things go, inevitably our hero will face a crossroad where his ultimate decision both is unwilling and about the fact that he still has a responsibility towards the martial arts world. Chang finds time in between the copious amounts of bloodshed, to further the relationship between Fang Gang and Xiaoshan and it presents a refreshing warmth and understanding due to the kind of world they're in, even with their backs wanting to turn from it. Again, it's a testament to Chang's strength as a director of character drama that these themes have never faded to become painful clichés. It also helps that to have Jimmy Wang Yu so confidently conveying the strength and honor of Fang Gang. As an underdog in the first film who transformed into an honorable hero, there's an interesting plot point here in the sequel that all of the elder clan leaders are being held captive, leading to Fang having to step up as a true leader for the younger generation. At the same time there's a reluctance in Fang towards what this martial arts world stands for. These are character elements that Cheng excels at conveying and still pack poignancy today. Talking action choreography, again supervised by Lau Kar Leung and Tong Gaai, to my eyes there is quite a leap in technical polish from the first film. Pace in battles is tighter as well as intensity and the number of movements, intricate or not, in each shot is increasing. Being a Wuxia effort, there also crops up some otherworldly techniques assisted by wire-work but at the same time, it's also charming to watch action directing in development. For Jimmy Wang Yu, Lau and Tong also came up with some sharper techniques, based on his limitations as a performer but also playing to the character's honed arsenal of skills. It ultimately is more of an simple cinematic technique but power is effectively created through the staging and editing. Out of the myriad of recognizable faces such as Tien Feng, Chung Wa, Lau Kar Leung, Ti Lung, Wu Ma and Chan Sing, Essie Lin Chia logs a memorably evil performance as The Lady Of Thousand Hands. Note that Return Of The One Armed Swordsman can only be bought as part of the One-Armed Swordsman Trilogy Box Set. Buy the One-Armed Swordsman Trilogy at: |
| Return To A Better Tomorrow (1994) Directed by: Wong Jing |
Even the Chinese title of Return To A Better Tomorrow puts the word "new" in front of the one for the 1986 John Woo classic and thankfully, Wong Jing isn't echoing storybeats but genre beats only. For half a flick, it works surprisingly well while the work of action directors Dion Lam and Poon Kin-Gwam works pretty much throughout. The usual triad plot mismash goes as follows: Boss Chun (Ekin Cheng) is betrayed by his own brother Wei (Ben Lam) and henchmen along with Holland Boy (Ngai Sing) are sent after him. Chun manages to flee, girlfriend on home turf Chili (Chingmy Yau) isn't so lucky and gets treated to a razorblade. 2 years later along with old brother now big boss Lobster (Lau Ching-Wan), time for Chun to blast himself into the spotlight again... While very heavy on style almost to the point of parody (heavily colored lights, slow motion, heavy rain), Wong Jing pulls out some technical chops here. The movie may be expected but also feels dangerous eventually thanks to leading villains Ben Lam and Ngai Sing really making a strong impression. The second half is a bit painfully clichéd and the punishing drama doesn't deliver but the "Return" (or New) of the title is justified. Again, Dion Lam and Poon King-Gwam deliver quite strong gunplay and the level of bloody violence towards anything or anyone recalls that dangerous aura the film had in its earlier stages. It's less of a return and more of a re-run but Wong Jing gets unusual strong approval anyway. Shot in synch sound and also featuring appearances by Michael Wong, James Wong (playing a lawyer and why Wong Jing had to have the mention of a sex offender called Bill Tung Biu is anyone's guess. Bill Tung of the Police Story films to clarify), Paul Chun, Lee Siu-Kei, John Ching and Parkman Wong. |
| Revanchist (1994) Directed by: Chong Yan-Gin |
Largely unimaginative gangster tale and the production also seems to get itself in trouble when the action directing in a semi-contemporary environment leans more towards the new wave Wuxia films of the 90s, post-Once Upon A Time In China. It's no Ching Siu-Tung level in terms of the wirework either but the action directors compensates with a high level of energy and creativity within their own lower standards. Especially the ending is a full on blast of sheer ridiculousness but by being bathed in blood and bullets, this climax cements a fine, fun reputation for Revanchist. Zhang Fengyi flashes little charisma or talent (you are considered notable when you have Farewell My Concubine and Sun Valley on your resume) and unashamedly goes for the acting overdrive, with pleasing, gory results. Also convenient that he wears white throughout and in the finale, as you will find out. The Category III rating should be taken lightly as it has more to do with a gratuitous sex scene rather than with the violence. |
| The Revenge Of Angel (1990) Directed by: Yeung Kuen |
A different Moon Lee vehicle but seeing as it partly replays the opera scene from Once Upon A Time In China and features the ghost/man love story that A Chinese Ghost Story made popular, it's hard to look at The Revenge Of Angel as a true original. In the role usually reserved for Joey Wong, Moon plays Angel, a peking opera performer that dies in a fire at the hands of local thug Chan Ping (Chung Faat - Spooky Encounters). 20 years later, fresh opera performer Siu Man (Lau Ji-Wai) finds the spirit of Angel and falls in love. With him and several others of the opera troupe on her side, Angel can finally plot her revenge... Played almost totally straight (a gag at the very end concerns flashing your underwear to break Taoist priest's concentration), director Yeung Kuen (Seeding Of A Ghost) doesn't play out the otherworldly romance particularly well, pushing for emotions in the most sappy of ways (think stock, manipulative score). It's Hong Kong cinema being slightly more ambitious but in the end drawing a "storyline" merely as an excuse for fights and effects. The latter it does as standard as you'd come to expect from the era but the action choreography is well done. Standouts includes a skirmish onboard a ship heading for the afterlife where Angel's servants turn against her and the ending involving spells and weapons is rather noteworthy. Wu Ma and Alvina Kong co-stars. Buy the VCD at: |
| Revenge Of The Corpse (1981) Directed by: Sun Chung |
Sergeant Du (Jason Pai) is framed for murder and theft by his wife and Zeng (Lo Lieh) and eventually dies. A couple of grave robbers are witnesses to Du rising again and soon the entire village is shivering at the prospect of a heinous looking Du returning but he's set his sights on the ones responsible for his death... Simple, straightforward horror (with minor touches of action only) by Sun Chung (Human Lanterns) that sufficiently sets up his story, albeit it takes half a flick for it take flight. Then seeing Jason Pai's corpse rotten, twisted and bathed in a green light starts a fair delight of messy violence on the Shaw Brothers stage. Clever, age old solutions using wires, smokes and colored lightning through Sun Chung's eyes rank as clever and the atmosphere takes on a suitable aura of dread. Revenge here is bloody and as inhumane as the actions initially were. |
| Rhythm Of Destiny (1992) Directed by: Andrew Lau |
A diamond smuggling triad (Danny Lee) and his ambitious younger brother (Aaron Kwok) reunite but the former stirs up troubles via his criminal ways, drawing his Christian family closer to his shady world... Directed by Andrew Lau and largely designed to be a movie for Aaron Kwok (dancing and lots of Canto-pop opportunities are utilized), standard sentimental drama comes with the commercial package deal therefore but having producer/lead Danny Lee on board makes Rhythm Of Destiny a lot more gripping than it probably should be. The requisite character that has to come to terms with shedding his criminal skin in favour of family values has Lee anchoring the picture as you've come to expect from the otherwise cop actor. The violent ending is disappointingly highly calculated rather than earned and director Lau really shows no interest in making any of this special. Danny did. Shing Fui-On is fun in a supporting role as one of Lee's wilder triad brothers. Also starring Sharla Cheung, Lisa Chiao, Peter Lai, Wu Ma, Blacky Ko and in one of her appearances in Hong Kong cinema, future Ally McBeal star Lucy Liu. |
| Rich And Famous (1987) Directed by: Taylor Wong |
Rich And Famous, despite the being part 1 in a triad story that was followed up with Tragic Hero (aka Black Vengeance), it was the latter that was first unleashed upon audiences as it was thought to have more commercial potential (more action). Tragic Hero was successful, much thanks to the star power of Chow Yun-Fat and Andy Lau no doubt, but Rich And Famous managed to slide by, taking in over 21 million at the box office. It goes to show that audiences are willing to be put be subjected to mediocrity as long as there's stars involved... Kwok (Lau), Yung (Alex Man) and Chui (Pauline Wong) are the trio of kids from a poor family that end up working for respected triad boss Chai (Chow Yun-Fat). With Yung being adopted into the family, he is naturally the one that goes astray, leading to betrayal and bloodshed along the way... Manfred Wong and Stephen Siu's script is the epitome of ordinary and generic within the triad genre. Each and every role is a pure stock character and no attempts whatsoever are made to make old seem fresh. Director Taylor Wong doesn't seem to bothered either and hands over the duties to the actors. Can't say I blame them for acting left alone with no guidance. No star power in the world can in this case overcome the sheer dullness on display and while Chow Yun-Fat can look suave in his sleep, he looks thoroughly bored here. Remarkably sloppily directed at times, Rich And Famous offers up maybe a stunt or two of noteworthy nature towards the end. The other positive out of all this is a fairly likeable performance by none other than Alan Tam as Mak the stuttering coward who has to face his demons in the end reel as these things go. Also with Danny Lee (as yet another cliché character...the cop hellbent to nail the crime boss!), Carina Lau, Shing Fui On and Fan Mei Sheng. Note that the screencap above is from the Tai Seng dvd. Mei Ah have out an anamorphic edition that surely beats prior home video presentations. Buy the DVD at: |
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