Matt Chow Movies
A Cambodian boxer smuggled into Hong Kong is pursued by a hotheaded young cop with serious authority issues in director Sio Cheang's hyper-violent crime thriller. Pang (Edison Chen) is a tattooed street boxer from Cambodia. Spirited away from the Cambodian garbage dumps he once called home and offered the opportunity to rise through the ranks as a fearsome triad hit-man, the ambitious young fighter carries out his first mission with rough but ruthless efficiency. Later, after wandering over to the local landfill and watching as a homeless man brutally rapes his own daughter, Pang murders the abhorrent offender and enters into a tender relationship with the frightened young girl (Pei Pei). As Pang's gentle true nature is gradually awakened by the damaged innocence of his new companion, belligerent young cop Wai (Sam Lee) sets out on a restless crusade to bring the resourceful killer to justice no matter what the cost. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Edison Chen, Sam Lee, (more)
- 2002
Kam (veteran Hong Kong comic actress Sandra Ng) is making a withdrawal from an ATM on New Year's Eve when she's held up at knifepoint by the desperate Bong (Eric Tsang), who is distressed to learn that Kam doesn't even have enough money in her account to make a withdrawal. The two agree to leave and go their separate ways, when a power outage traps them in the kiosk. Kam tries to cheer Bong up with an amusing story about her life as a prostitute. This leads to a conversation that lasts through the night, and flashbacks depict Kam's evolution, from underage "fishball girl" to popular showgirl (who wins over clients doing a deft impression of Jackie Chan circa Drunken Master) to masseuse to long-in-the-tooth hooker. Outside historical events converge with Kum's story as she weaves her tale, detailing everything from her encounter with a celebrity (Andy Lau as himself) to her unrequited love for a mysterious gangster, Yeh (Wu Kwan of Stanley Kwan's Lan Yu), to her longtime friendship with a former client, Professor Chan (Tony Leung). There's also an unplanned pregnancy, which leads to an opportunistic romance with Richard (Felix Wong), a wealthy businessman. This 2002 comedy Golden Chicken, directed by Samson Chiu, spawned a 2003 sequel, Golden Chicken 2. The first film was shown at the Film Society of Lincoln Center's survey Recent Films from Hong Kong in 2004. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sandra Ng, Eric Tsang, (more)
- 2002
Wilson Yip's romantic comedy Gon Chai Lit Fo (Dry Wood Fierce Fire) stars popular Hong Kong comedienne Miriam Yeung. Alice Tsui (Yeung) writes a health column for a magazine that is purchased by a publication aimed at men. She is attracted to her beautiful but unctuous new editor, Ryan Li (Louis Koo). When he expresses an interest in a different girl, Alice agrees to give him lessons in how to win her heart. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Louis Koo, Miriam Yeung, (more)
As the Hong Kong economy takes a hit and the killer-for-hire business falls into a slump, a camera man and a professional killer team up to offer the perfect package deal in director Pang Ho Cheung's dark urban comedy. Despite the Asian financial crisis, there are still people in the overcrowded metropolis of Hong Kong that need to die. Bart is a seasoned hit-man dejected by the lack of work, and Chuen is a talented assistant director in search of a fascinating subject. When the desperate pair discovers that both have a talent for "shooting," they decide to pool their resources and offer their clients visual proof that the murderous missions have been successfully executed. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Eric Kot, Cheung Tat-Ming, (more)
Hugo (Lau Ching Wan) has a birthmark on his face that has caused him to develop into a shy, quiet person. For this reason, he hasn't had much luck with girls until he meets Yammie (Joey Yung), a young woman who is introverted in much the same way Hugo is; she has a moustache due to a hormonal disorder. They each gain a newfound confidence through their friendship and Hugo agrees go help Yammie track down and old boyfriend. Before she finds him, however, she might discover that what she's looking for is already right before her eyes. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lau Ching-Wan, Joey Yung, (more)
