# 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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Cupid One (1985) Directed by: Ringo Lam

While some may consider Ringo Lam's initial output to be no indication of what was to come through the On Fire films, knowing what we know, I think it's definitely easy to see the filmmaker early on looking for an outlet to explore cracks and darkness in humanity. It surfaces little by little through his work, more so in this, the last his fluff films if you will. Cupid One more or less seems to represent an attempt to remake Swept Away (not the Guy Ritchie remake obviously) and Ringo, re-teaming with Cinema City, showcases a confidence in working his actors (Mark Cheng and Sally Yeh, the latter still in slight Shanghai Blues mode to fine effect) that are to perform this largely two man show. The plot goes through the motions you expect but Lam subtly infuses an edgy atmosphere during brief moments. We're not quite sure what destruction will manifest itself or if it will at all but by the end, for a romantic comedy in essence, there's some fairly deep character psychology on display, even if it's in hysteria mode. It's even distressing watching the final reel. Joe Chan's attractive indoor- and outdoor cinematography is an asset as well.

Buy the DVD at:
HK Flix.com

Curse (1985) Directed by: Paang Leng

Rila is a woman who's now paying for sins in a past life and marriage after marriage leaves someone dead. Can she battle back against the black magician who's hellbent on making her pay?

Thoroughly dreadful and poorly made, you really need to switch to the C-movie sensibilities to get anything out of Curse. If that's possible, there is a good amount of hokey fun to be had, in particular in regards to the poor, even by Hong Kong standards, animated ghost effects (as laughable as it is, the rape sequences involving the animated ghosts are not pleasant). The opening is a frantic piece of work as well, feeling more like a finale and therefore is never topped. Kwan Hoi-San co-stars and was a recurring actor in director Paang Leng's short directorial career. Writer of this mess is Sze Ton On who penned several of the Kwan Tak-Hing Wong Fei Hung movies as well as The Magic Blade and Shaolin Mantis for Shaw Brother's.

Buy the VCD at:
Yesasia.com

Curse Of Evil (1982) Directed by: Kuei Chih-Hung

Straight faced absurdism at 78 minutes from Kuei Chih-Hung (The Killer Snakes, The Bamboo House Of Dolls). A cursed family is dropping like flies at the hands of the curse of the Dragon King and some of the ominous signs include the appearance of The Bloody Frogs. Oh and the big, raping slimey worm monster could be considered a sign too. Working with a short time frame, Kuei lets loose quickly and throughout delivers a tuned balance of spooky and absurdly low budget but effective monster effects.

The Cyprus Tigers (1990) Directed by: Phillip Ko & Luk Chuen

Phillip Ko & Luk Chuen decides via cheap means to make the Cyprus atmosphere that is automatically sunny rub off on the tone of the flick therefore. What this means is Hong Kong cops Simon Yam and Conan Lee acting up a clownish storm for 80 minutes + a subsequent 10 is devoted to action, if that. The latter lead grates especially (and comes with the awful name of Climax) as he goes after girls whenever he can, among other places on the nude beach where he's equipped with binoculars. Ending up in a gay porn video along with Yam's character probably doesn't help. A typical counterfeit plot is hatched to actually inject danger into the film but there's rarely any effect when doing anything in The Cyprus Tigers. Family drama comes via a crudely inserted Hong Kong segment where Joey Wong pops up but the minor action elements springs the flick to life a bit. In mentioned Hong Kong part of the film, Joey Wong is thrown between car hoods extensively and the fighting/gunplay finale offers up some fast paced intensity. Watch out for the black bodyguard of Phillip Ko's acting like an ape in a very dumb, politically incorrect and shamelessly amusing bit. Robin Shou also appears.

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