Russell Wong Movies
Challenging traditional stereotypes for Asian-American actors, Russell Wong has earned a reputation as a sexy, charismatic leading man whose good looks are matched by his skills as a performer. The sixth of seven children, Russell Wong was born on March 1, 1963, in Troy, NY; his family moved to Albany when he was a baby, where his father ran a restaurant. When Wong was seven years of age, his parents divorced, and he moved with his mother to California, settling near Yosemite. In 1981, Wong graduated from Mariposa County High School, and that fall enrolled at Santa Monica City College. Wong supported himself as a photographer and as a dancer (appearing in rock videos with David Bowie, Donna Summer, and Janet Jackson, among others) before scoring his first screen roles in 1985, appearing in a Hong Kong musical called Ge wu sheng ping (aka Musical Dancer) and in a screen adaptation of James Clavell's best-seller Tai-Pan. A number of undistinguished television and film roles followed, but Wong began breaking into better roles in 1989, when he made a memorable guest appearance on the drama series 21 Jump Street and won a leading role in Wayne Wang's acclaimed independent romantic comedy Eat a Bowl of Tea. Supporting roles in China Cry and New Jack City were to follow, and Wong found himself working with Wayne Wang again when he was cast in a meaty role in the film adaptation of Amy Tan's best-selling novel The Joy Luck Club. Wong finally scored a high-profile breakthrough role in 1994, when he was cast in the leading role in the made-for-TV movie Vanishing Son, in which he played a Chinese political activist exiled in America. The show was popular enough to spawn three sequels, and was later spun off into a syndicated TV series. After Vanishing Son ran its course, Wong moved on to more big-screen work, including major roles in Prophesy II, The Tracker, and Romeo Must Die, as well as the made-for-TV epic The Lost Empire. Russell Wong is also the brother of Michael Wong, a fellow thespian active in both Hong Kong and the United States. ~ Rovi
- 2011
- PG13
- Add Snow Flower and the Secret Fan to Queue Add Snow Flower and the Secret Fan to top of Queue
The descendants of two 19th century spiritual sisters struggle to maintain their enduring bond by exploring their ancestral connection in modern-day Shanghai. Connected as "laotong" (old sames) at the tender age of seven, Snow Flower and Lily grow up in isolation and develop a language all their own. In the folds of a white silk fan, they exchange furtive messages that only they can decipher. Meanwhile, in 21st century China, Flower's and Lily's descendants Nina and Sophia find the growing demands of their respective careers and their complicated love lives threatening to drive them apart. Only by focusing on the timeless messages hidden between the folds of that cherished fan will Nina and Sophia find the secrets to keeping their friendship alive, and avoid letting the demands of modern living shatter an ancient bond of friendship. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan was adapted from author Lisa See's best-selling novel of the same name. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Gianna Jun, Li Bingbing, (more)
- 2011
Chauvinistic advertising executive Sun Zigang gains the power to read women's thoughts in a bathroom mishap, and becomes an instant expert on all things related to the fairer sex while scheming to steal the ideas of an ambitious female colleague. Sun's personal life is falling apart; his wife has left him for another man, and his adolescent daughter gives him nothing but attitude. None of this really fazes Sun, though, because all he can think about is getting promoted to creative director at the advertising agency where he works. But when distinguished executive Li Yilong swoops in from another firm and snatches the job right from under Sun's nose, the incensed cad starts to fear that his career may be over. Later, while attempting to soothe his frazzled nerves with some wine and a warm bath, Sun dons women's clothing in a drunken bid to better understand the opposite sex, accidentally knocks a lamp in the bathtub, and gets the shock of his life. Upon regaining consciousness, Sun finds himself in the hospital, and quickly realizes that he now possesses the power to know what women are thinking. At first Sun decides to have some fun around the office by expounding on his uncanny insight into the opposite sex, but when he begins using his newfound abilities to steal Yilong's ideas, he finally pushes things too far. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Quick-footed martial artist Krit (Mike B.) and adventurous archeology student Praifa (Intira Charoenpura) team up to ensure that the powerful Sacred Heart doesn't fall into the hand of men who would use it to destroy the world. At the close of the 19th Century, the Poisoned Knife clan raided Thailand's Royal Palace and attempted to escape with priceless antiques. Though their mission failed, some of the thieves managed to stash their treasure not far from the scene of the crime. Flash forward to the early-21st Century, when powerful mob boss Wisa (Winston Omega), a descendant of the Poisoned Knife clan, recruits ex-U.S. Special Ops soldier Patrick (Russell Wong) to locate the missing antiques at any cost. When Patrick and stealth assassin Selina (Patharawarin Timkul) attempt to make off with the Sacred Heart, devoted temple boy Krit vows to reclaim the amulet before it falls into the wrong hands. With Praifa on his side, he may just be able to thwart Wisa's plan and save the world. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Death brings a contentious family together (though that doesn't mean they get along) in this comedy-drama from director Anna Chi. When elderly Mrs. Xiao (Lisa Lu) dies in her sleep at home, her housekeeper and close friend Viola (Talia Shire) contacts her four adult children in hopes they'll come home to help with the funeral. Unfortunately, Mrs. Xiao didn't have many friends besides Viola, her children all have issues with her, and given her zeal to assimilate into American culture, the siblings are more than puzzled that she insisted upon a traditional Chinese funeral lasting a full seven days. Alexander (Russell Wong), a successful doctor, is still coming to terms with his overly strict mother and philandering father, and is unexpectedly reunited with his ex-wife (Kelly Hu), who he lost through his own infidelity. Elizabeth (Julia Nickson), a writer, also crosses paths with her former spouse (Adrian Hough) while she mourns both her mother and her young son. Victoria (Francoise Yip) has never been able to forgive her mom after she rejected her for marrying an African-American. And MeiMei (Steph Song), an actress, is a lesbian who wants to have children with her significant other Deedee (Bai Ling); they've been having trouble finding a suitable sperm donor, though they think one of the monks at the funeral may be just what they're looking for. Dim Sum Funeral received its world premiere at the 2008 AFI Fest. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steph Song, Kelly Hu, (more)
- 2008
- PG13
- Add The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor to Queue Add The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor to top of Queue
The Fast and the Furious director Rob Cohen continues the tale set into motion by director Stephen Sommers with this globe-trotting adventure that finds explorer Rick O'Connell and son attempting to thwart a resurrected emperor's (Jet Li) plan to enslave the entire human race. It's been 2,000 years since China's merciless Emperor Han and his formidable army were entombed in terra cotta clay by a double-dealing sorceress (Michelle Yeoh), but now, after centuries in suspended animation, an ancient curse is about to be broken. Thanks to his childhood adventures alongside father Rick (Brendan Fraser) and mother Evelyn (Maria Bello), dashing young archeologist Alex O'Connell (Luke Ford) is more than familiar with the power of the supernatural. After he is tricked into awakening the dreaded emperor from his eternal slumber, however, the frightened young adventurer is forced to seek out the wisdom of his parents -- both of whom have had their fair share of experience battling the legions of the undead. Should the fierce monarch prove capable of awakening his powerful terra cotta army, his diabolical plan for world domination will finally be set into motion. Of course, the one factor that this emperor mummy failed to consider while solidifying his power-mad plans was the O'Connells, and before this battle is over, the monstrous monarch will be forced to contend with the one family that isn't frightened by a few rickety reanimated corpses. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Brendan Fraser, Jet Li, (more)
A man learns being an avenger for good is tougher than it looks in this independent thriller from filmmaker Chris Chan Lee. After his best friend, Joon (Leonardo Nam), a small-time dope dealer, is murdered during a shakedown by gangsters, Sam Kim (Sung Kang) leaves the United States and spends a year in Singapore, trying to sort out his emotions. Eventually Sam decides to return to America with two goals in mind -- bring down the thugs who killed his friend, and patch things up with Vera (Kelly Hu), his estranged girlfriend. With the help of underworld kingpin Don Osa (Tom Bower), Sam sets out to get justice for Joon and make up for the pain caused to his friends and associates by his absence. However, Sam doesn't know as much as he imagines about life on the wrong side of the law, and as he deals with career criminals, corrupt police officers, and the drug trade, he is thrust into greater danger than he ever imagined. Undoing was screened in competition at the 2006 Los Angeles Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
A suburban homeowner becomes obsessed with the secretive family next door in this independent drama. Norman (Steven Weber) is an airline pilot who one day discovers he has new neighbors when he hears them moving into a nearby house during the dark of night. While Norman soon learns that Dr. Peoples (Eriq La Salle) is a psychiatrist, he can't figure out much else about him, beyond the fact he only mows his lawn after the sun goes down. Eager to uncover the enigma of the folks next door, Norman becomes friendly with Maria (Nia Peeples), the doctor's wife, and reaches out to their phobic son, Obert (Tyler Posey), but Dr. Peoples himself remains a mystery. As time goes on, Norman also discovers he's not the only one in the neighborhood eager to know more about the mysterious new arrivals. Inside Out was the first feature film for writer and director David Ogden. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steven Weber, Eriq La Salle, (more)
Philip Kaufman directs the detective thriller Twisted (originally to be titled The Blackout Murders), with a script by up-and-coming filmmaker Sarah Thorp. Ashley Judd plays troubled police detective Jessica Shepard, who works under the jurisdiction of the man who raised her as his daughter, police Commissioner Mills (Samuel L. Jackson). While investigating a serial murder case, Jessica -- who is has a proclivity for dangerous, drunken one-night-stands -- discovers that all of the victims are men whom she's recently bedded. Complicating matters are her bitter ex-boyfriend (Mark Pellegrino), her very curious therapist (David Strathairn), and her odd-behaving new partner Mike Delmarco (Andy Garcia). ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ashley Judd, Samuel L. Jackson, (more)
- 2003
A vehicle for Romeo Must Die star Russell Wong, the weekly, 60-minute adventure series Black Sash cast Wong as Tom Chang, a former San Francisco cop who returned to his homeland in disgrace after being wrongly imprisoned for years in a Hong Kong jail. Hoping to find a new purpose in life, Tom became a martial arts instructor for a group of young trainees, also outcasts from society. Among Tom's pupils (who treated their teacher like a father-confessor, a relationship he did nothing to discourage) were street-smart Bryan (Ray J), shy Allie (Sarah Carter), abused-teen Trip (Corey Servier), and vengeance-seeking Tory (Missy Peregrym). All the while, Tom hoped to reconnect with his estranged daughter, despite a court order forcing him to remain 100 yards away from the girl. Black Sash made its WB network bow on March 30, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2001
- R
When lovely Kim Chang (Lexa Doig) is kidnapped in a bloody assault, disgraced private detective Connor Spears (Casper Van Dien) is enlisted by her brother Rick (Russell Wong) to rescue her from warring Russian and Chinese mobs. Connor, a former lover of Kim's, and Rick team up to crack the case, which proves useful as they both know martial arts and use their skills to save each other quite frequently. But with both the Russians and the Chinese coming after them -- not to mention Connor's nemesis on the police force (Alan Fawcett) trying to even an old score -- the two have their hands full. Thankfully, a feisty cabbie (Françoise Robertson) is available to rescue them.
~ Buzz McClain, Rovi
~ Buzz McClain, Rovi
- Starring:
- Casper Van Dien, Russell Wong, (more)
The two-part TV miniseries The Lost Empire was loosely based upon Chang-En Wu's classic 16th century Chinese novel, His Yu Chi (Journey to the West). Updated to the present, the series was set in motion when American journalist Nick Orton (Thomas Gibson) agreed to track down the lost manuscript of Chang-En Wu's masterpiece, which had fallen into the proverbial wrong hands. Accompanied by a curious collection of mythical creatures, including the Monkey King (Russell Wong), a piglike human and a former cannibal, Nick found himself fighting evil and sorcery at every turn, secure in the knowledge that he would win the love of Kwan Ying (Bai Ling), the Goddess of Mercy, if he successfully completed his mission. Filmed partially in Prague by Hallmark Entertainment, The Lost Empire (later released to video as a 132-minute feature titled The Monkey King) was broadcast by NBC on March 11 and 12, 2001. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Thomas Gibson, Bai Ling, (more)
William Shakespeare's streak as the hottest storyteller in Hollywood continues with this modern-dress variation on Romeo and Juliet. In this loose adaptation, Hang Sing (Jet Li) is a former police officer from Hong Kong who comes to the United States following the death of his brother, the leader of an Asian crime ring. Hang Sing discovers that his brother had become involved in a turf battle with an African-American gang, led by Isaak (Delroy Lindo). But his blood lust begins to subside when he falls in love with Isaak's daughter Trish (Aaliyah) and finds himself torn between his affection for her and his desire for justice against the men who killed his brother. Romeo Must Die was the directorial debut of noted cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak; the supporting cast includes Russell Wong and Isaiah Washington. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Aaliyah, Anthony Anderson, (more)
Follow a skilled computer hacker and a determined computer-crimes expert on a thrilling, cat-and-mouse race through cyberspace in this high-tech tale of intrigue from Halloween 6 and prolific television director Joe Chappelle. Based on actual events, this thriller follows top cyber-schemer Kevin Mitnick (Skeet Ulrich) as he uses the latest technology to break into sensitive websites and glean valuable information. Realizing that top computer cop Tsutomu Shimomura (Russell Wong) is hot on his tale, Kevin quickly utilizes his cyber space expertise to cover his tracks and elude the electronic arm of the law. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Skeet Ulrich, Russell Wong, (more)
- 1998
In the conclusion of Touched by an Angel's two-part Season Four finale (originally telecast as a single two-hour episode), Monica (Roma Downey) and Tess (Della Reese) have managed to smuggle Chinese defector Jean Chang (Bai Ling) back into Beijing for a reunion with her husband George (Russell Wong). But George has bad news: his and Jean's beloved daughter Piao is missing, and may no longer be alive. Also in Beijing is Jean's American boss Edward Tanner (Adrian Pasdar), a disreputable toy manufacturer who has been exploiting cheap labor provided by George. One of these characters is slated to perform an act of great and selfless courage that will change the lives of many others--but Monica isn't certain whom that person will be, and with the Red Chinese police hot on her heels, she may never find out! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1998
In the first half of Touched by an Angel's two-part Season Four finale (originally telecast as a single two-hour episode), Monica (Roma Downey) and Tess (Della Reese) wonder how many lives can be changed by the courage of a single person--and better still, who will turn out to be the "courageous" one in their newest assignment. Candidiates include Jean Chang (Bai Ling), a dissident Chinese National who fled Beijing after the Tiananmen Square confrontation; Jean's boss Edward Tanner (Adrian Pasmar), a none-too-ethical American toy manufacturer; Jean's husband George (Russell Wong), who stayed behind in Beijing and who now provides low-cost labor for Edward's company; or Jean and George's daughter Piao Yue--who has been missing and presumed dead for years. When this episode was originally telecast, Richard Gere appeared in an introductory segment. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Christopher Walken returns as the guerrilla angel Gabriel, the leader of an evil heavenly revolution in which bad angels seek to upset the heavenly hierarchy by destroying humanity and all good angels -- because Gabriel believes God favors mortals. This time, Gabriel has been spit from the bowels of Hell, where even Lucifer tired of the chaos he created. He is stalking the L.A. streets in hopes of finishing his bloody war by murdering the second incarnation of Christ, who is gestating within the womb of nurse Jennifer Beals. Protecting her is the angel Danyael (Russell Wong). As Gabriel is not literate in late-20th-century technology, he enlists the assistance of Izzy (Brittany Murphy), a depressive teen whom he saves from suicide. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Christopher Walken, Russell Wong, (more)
- 1994
This made-for-television movie spawned several sequels and eventually an adventure TV-series of the same name. Russell Wong and Chi Moui Lo star as brothers Jian-Wa and Wago Chang, respectively, who escape from China's political unrest and take up in the United States. Both try and find new lives in the U.S., with Wago falling in with an organized crime gang and Jian-Wa pursuing a career in music. ~ Bernadette McCallion, Rovi
Action director Tony Leung Siu-hung helms this Lethal Weapon inspired action yarn starring Jade Leung Ching as Jade Leung, a tough-as-nails Hong Kong cop with strong suicidal tendencies. Sent to Singapore as a part of a joint police effort with the FBI to bust a weapons ring, Jade is paired up with fellow cop Ellen (Anita Lee Yuen-wah). Together they manage to recruit the head gangster's lawyer as an informant. Later after dodging a hail of bullets and battling some truly fearsome Indonesian thugs -- including one with a bionic hand -- Jade first finds herself lost in the jungle and then hanging from a helicopter. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jade Leung, Anita Lee, (more)
Director Wayne Wang and screenwriter Ronald Bass effectively interweave sixteen mother-daughter tales in their silken film version of Amy Tan's best-selling novel about the clash between generations. The film takes place in present-day San Francisco, concentrating on a group of late-middle-aged Chinese women. Ever since arriving in the United States after World War II, the women have gathered weekly to play mah-jongg and to tell stories, regaling each other with tales of their children and grandchildren, giving each other a sense of hope and renewal in the midst of poverty and hardship. The Joy Luck Club is made up of four women -- Suyuan (Kieu Chinh), Lindo (Tsai Chin), Ying Ying (France Nuyen), and An Mei (Lisa Lu). But when Suyuan dies, the three surviving members invite Suyuan's daughter June (Ming-Na Wen) to take her place. Along with the daughters of the other members -- Waverly (Tamlyn Tomita), Lena (Lauren Tom), and Rose (Rosalind Chao) -- June is a Chinese-American with only a passing interest in her rich cultural heritage. But through vignettes that switch back and forth in time, the daughters begin to appreciate the struggles of their mothers to start their families in the optimistic promise of the United States. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tsai Chin, Kieu Chinh, (more)
- 1991
- PG
- Add China Cry to Queue
Julia Nickson (then billed as Julia Nickson-Soul) stars as Nora Lamm, whose childhood was rent asunder when the Japanese invaded Shanghai at the outset of World War II. Recalling these horrific times, Nora remembers the cloistered pre-invasion existence she enjoyed thanks to the prominence of her physician father (played by James Shigeta). The deprivations she experienced at the hands of the invaders are compounded when postwar China is taken over by the Communists. In the early 1960s, Nora escapes to Hong Kong, where she works tirelessly on behalf of basic human rights for those still trapped on the Mainland. China Cry is based on the autobiography by Sung Neng Yee. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Julia Nickson, Russell Wong, (more)
The ruthless leader of a New York City drug syndicate battles to maintain his power and avoid imprisonment in this fast-moving action drama. While the film's heroes are Scotty (Ice-T) and Nick (Judd Nelson), a pair of tough, streetwise cops, the main focus is their target, drug lord Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes). A criminal businessman with no room for pity or emotion, the flashy but severe Brown has built an empire and transformed an abandoned Harlem apartment building into a well-defended fortress. He begins to consider himself invincible, but his lust for power and the unpredictable actions of a former client turned police informer threaten to bring about his potential downfall. First-time director Mario Van Peebles keeps the traditional plot moving at an appropriately rapid pace, with stylish action sequences and energetic performances. The film's violence was somewhat controversial on its initial release, especially after shooting incidents marred showings in several theaters. However, the film's moral message is clearly anti-drug and anti-crime, its main intent to provide a high-powered, modern take on the gangster movie. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Starring:
- Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, (more)
- 1991
- R
Shot in both English and Asian versions, this peculiar Hong Kong action film from Ronny Yu boasts the somewhat overstated Chinese title of Sky-Shattering Meeting Between Dragon and Tiger. While not exactly sky-shattering, the film was shot in several countries (the Netherlands, France, and Thailand) and features some fine combat scenes choreographed by Chris Lee. Russell Wong and Steven Vincent star as Bobby and Danny Chow, triad gangsters who hope to expand their business outside of Amsterdam's Chinatown area. Their Uncle Chi (Ku Feng) is against the idea, but is soon murdered by part of an international triumvirate including Vietnamese thug Phong (William Ho), Italian mafioso Scalia (Billy Drago), and Turkish crimelord Amead (Cahit Olmez). Bobby and Danny then head to Thailand to secure a source for opium, only to be tracked by Bobby's girlfriend, Anne (Lisa Schrage), who is in reality an undercover agent hoping to bring their activities to an end. Yu makes a brief cameo appearance, while Alex Man and Andy Lau appear in the Hong Kong version of the film, along with Shing Fui-on and Carina Lau in extended flashbacks to Bobby and Danny's childhood. The Asian version runs 104 minutes, while the English one runs 98 but also includes footage not found in the Asian cut. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi
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