The film revolves around a series of thefts committed by a mysterious figure where four teenage mutant ninja turtles find themselves battling this mysterious figure as well as trying to be accepted despite the fact that they’re mutants and their adopted father in a mutated rat in Splinter warns them about humans. It is a film that plays into that these four teenage turtles who want to be part of the world even though they’ve been trained by Splinter in the art of ninjitsu in order to get things from the outside world. Still, there is chaos looming throughout New York City as it relates to a mutagen that was developed by a scientist working for a mysterious corporation as it would play not just how the turtles and Splinter would be mutated but also a mysterious figure known as Superfly (Ice Cube) who would hire thugs to steal things and then kill them as they would be witnesses. The film’s screenplay is largely straightforward with a few backstory as it relates to Splinter, the turtles, Superfly, and his gang while it also play into what is at stake as well as these four turtles who all want to be part of the world and be accepted.
Notably as the turtles themselves are teenagers with different personalities that all want to be in the world as Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu) is sort of the leader of the group but is also awkward and unsure of himself. Raphael (Brady Noon) is brash and sarcastic but is also full of energy and aggression that he needed to let out. Donatello (Micah Abbey) is the nerdy one who knows how to work tech while also wears glasses. Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.) is the goofball in the group who is good at improvising while also wanting to party. Superfly was someone that was cared for by the scientist Baxter Stockman (Giancarlo Esposito) along with other creatures until he was attacked by the corporation he was working for lead by Cynthia Utrom (Maya Rudolph) who wants to weaponized the mutagen for her own reasons as the opening scene is about her gang attacking Stockman with a mutagen canister falling into a sewer on Splinter and these four young turtles. Yet, it was Superfly who would save other animals that were being mutated as they would be part of a gang as they would meet the turtles and realize that Superfly’s plans in dealing with humans might not be the right thing to do. Even April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri) who would meet the turtles after retrieving her scooter as she sees their intention as well a story she is trying to cover in her high school despite a disastrous moment in her attempt to be a news journalist.
Jeff Rowe’s direction is definitely wondrous for not just its story but also a look that is unlike a lot of animated films as it aims for a look that is crude, unpolished, and at times were drawn by children. Yet, it works because it not only adds to the tone of the film but also this world that is off-kilter at times while a lot of its look plays to the fact that it is a film about teenage turtles who are dealing with growing pains but also this need to connect with a world they’ve been sheltered in. With help from co-director Kyler Spears and an immense team of animators that include character designers James A. Castillo, Justin Runfola, and Woodrow White. Rowe would maintain a look and feel to the film as it play into not just the grittiness of New York City but also in the sewers the attention to detail in how it looks thanks in part to the work of production designer Yashar Kassai, along with art directors Arthur Fong and Tiffany Lam in maintaining that look. Even with the work of cinematographer Kent Seki in the lighting as well as the visual effects work of Chris Kazmier and Matthieu Rouxel to help play out the look including the design of the mutants.
Rowe’s direction also has these unique compositions in the close-ups and medium shots as it relates to the turtles and their desire to connect with the world as there’s a scene of them watching a bunch of people watching a scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. There are also some unique wide shots that includes the film’s climax which is grand in terms of what the turtles have to face as it plays into Superfly’s own plans to destroy humanity. Rowe would maintain a massive canvas for the climax as it plays into what is at stake but also what the turtles have to do as they not only get some life lessons about acceptance as well as doing the right thing. Overall, Rowe and Spears craft a riveting and imaginative film about four teenage mutant ninja turtles trying to fit in with the human world as well as take down some bad guys.
Editor Greg Levitan does amazing work with the editing with its fast-cutting style for some of the action and fight scenes but allows shots to reveal what is going on along with stylish moments such as a montage sequence of each turtle fighting bad guys is a highlight of the film. Sound editor Mark A. Mangini does fantastic work with the sound in some of the sound effects for the weapons as well as some of the tech characters use. The film’s music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is phenomenal with its electronic-based score ranging from pulsating, industrial-based themes to some low-key yet plaintive piano-based bits as it is a major highlight of the film. Music supervisor Gabe Hilfer does excellent work in cultivating the film’s soundtrack that largely features 80s/90s hip-hop and other music with contributions from Blackstreet with Dr. Dre and Queen Pen, Wayne Newton, M.O.P., A Tribe Called Quest, BTS, Bobby Vinton, Natasha Bedingfield, Vanilla Ice, Liquid Liquid, De La Soul, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Gucci Mane with Bruno Mars and Kodak Black, ESG, Hugh Masekela, and variations of the 4 Non Blondes song What's Up? that includes a famous remix made for He-Man.
The casting by Rich Delia is great as it features some notable voice cameos from comic creator Kevin Eastman as a human in the film’s climax, Alex Hirsch in a dual role as the voice of a mutated cockroach in Scumbug and a small crime boss who is hired by Superfly, Michael Badalucco as another local crime boss hired by Superfly, Andia Winslow as a TV news anchor, Raechel Wong as a TV news reporter on the scene during the film’s climax, and Giancarlo Esposito in a small but crucial role as the scientist Baxter Stockman who created a mutagen in order to create something unique rather than use it as a weapon Other notable voice performances as members of Superfly’s gang include Hannibal Burress as Genghis Frog, Austin Post/Post Malone as the mutant manta ray known as Ray Fillet, and Natasia Demetriou as the mutant bat Wingnut as they all get the chance to stand out and be funny. The voice contributions of Rose Byrne, John Cena, Seth Rogen, and Paul Rudd in their respective roles as Superfly’s gang members in Leatherhead, Rocksteady, Bebop, and Mondo Gecko are a joy to watch in how they bring in a lot of nuances and humor to the roles with Rudd being the standout as Gecko who seems to find a friend in Michelangelo.
Maya Rudolph and Ice Cube are excellent in their respective roles as the antagonists Cynthia Utrom and Superfly with the former being a corporate executive who wants to weaponized the mutagen as she sees the turtles as a threat while the latter is a more complex individual who is protective of his family but also has some valid reasons into his own hatred for humanity though his plans prove to be extreme for some. Ayo Edebiri is amazing as April O’Neil as high school student who wants to be a reporter as well as becoming the first human friend of the turtles with Edebiri also bringing a lot of charisma to a character that is often sexualized in films as she is presented as a street-smart African-American high school student as it feels fresh. Jackie Chan is brilliant as Splinter as a rat who also becomes mutated by the mutagen ooze as he teaches his turtles ninjitsu but also warns them about not going into the human world due to his own prejudice towards humanity until he would discover about Superfly and his own intentions where he does what he can to make his adopted sons happy.
Finally, there’s the quartet of Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Micah Abbey, and Shamon Brown Jr. in incredible voice performances as Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo. Rather than having adult actors voice teenagers, the casting of actual teenagers to play these teenage turtles as they all bring this sense of energy but also a realism that adds to the performance as the kids who are just trying to find themselves. Notably as Cantu, Noon, Abbey, and Brown were able to provide a sense of personality and charisma to their respective characters as they are a major highlight of the film.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a sensational film from Jeff Rowe. Featuring a great ensemble cast, inventive animation, a compelling story on the desire to be accepted, gorgeous visuals, and an incredible music score. The film is definitely an animated film that manages to be more than just a fun action-adventure film but also a compelling coming of age film that also has references to past films from other franchises relating to these turtles. In the end, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a phenomenal film from Jeff Rowe.
Related: (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990 film)) – (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze) – (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III) – (TMNT (2007 film)) – (The Mitchells vs. the Machines) – (null 16)
© thevoid99 2023
Directed and starring Jackie Chan and written by Chan and Edward Tang, Police Story 2 is the sequel to the 1985 film that has a Hong Kong detective demoted to traffic duty as he eventually goes rogue to go against a gang of serial bombers who is believed to be working for a drug lord’s henchman. The film has Chan reprise the role of “Kevin” Chan Ka-kui as he deals with his unorthodox methods in taking down criminals while trying to adjust to his new role as a traffic cop and his relationship with his girlfriend May as she is reprised by Maggie Cheung. Also starring Bill Tung, Charlie Cho, Lam Kwok-Hung, and Chor Yuen reprising his role as the drug lord Chu Tao. Police Story 2 is a sprawling and gripping film from Jackie Chan.
The is set months after the events of the first film in which Chan Ka-kui has amassed a lot of heavy damage to the places he’s in during his attempted captures of the drug lord Chu Tao as he is demoted to traffic duty. Yet, it’s a film that has him torn between being a cop but also being a good boyfriend to his longtime girlfriend May just as a gang of serial bombers are creating havoc around Hong Kong and extorting a group of rich businessman through threats. Even as Chan has to lead a surveillance team that forces him to break-up with May so he can try and prevent from other bombings from happening after he and May were fortunate to escape a bombing attempt. The film’s screenplay by Jackie Chan and Edward Tang mixes ideas of comedy, romance, drama, action, and suspense as it play into Chan Ka-kui’s struggle to be a good cop yet often gets himself into trouble whether he is targeted by Tao’s right-hand man John Ko (Charlie Cho) and his goons or through these mysterious bombers who are making threats and destroying places.
Notably in the film’s second act where Chan leads the surveillance team as they also record conversations from the corporate bosses who are being extorted. It serves as a break from the action and humor as it emphasizes on suspense with Chan taking the lead and allowing his team to be more involved. Yet, it also play into this sense of discord over social classes where the unveiling of the bombers come into play for its third act as well as why they’re so mysterious. Chan and Tang do manage to put in a lot of things in the script as it relates to the personal life of Chan and his relationship with May as she questions about whether he’s fully committed as he’s often tested by his duties and those trying to intimidate him.
Chan’s direction is definitely grand in term of the set pieces he created though the opening sequence involving these moving trucks is big but it’s really a set-up for what his character is doing right now as it’s a step down from the mayhem that he created in the previous film. Yet, it does have elements of comedy as it play into the sense of humility that Chan Ka-kui has to endure but it at least makes May happy that he’s not engaged in trouble for a while as Ko tries to intimidate him after Chan learns that Tao has been released from prison due to a terminal illness he is suffering from. Shot on location in Hong Kong, the film does use many of its locations not just as characters but also to play into this growing rest of uncertainty as it relates to the serial bombers and their actions. The usage of the wide and medium shots help capture the scope of the locations as well as in some of the film’s action set pieces that include a fight in a playground between Chan and Ko’s gang. Serving as the film’s action director/choreographer, Chan ensures that there is a rhythm to the stunts and action that include a scene of three female cops interrogating the explosives supplier.
Chan’s approach to the comedy is partially physical but it also play into some elaborate set pieces where an extremely upset May chases Chan to the men’s locker room and shower as he tries to hide from her. Chan’s approach to creating set pieces that include the film’s third act where the identity of the bombers and its creator named Dummy (Benny Lai) who is also a dangerous fighter. The sequence that includes a chase sequence and Chan’s character jumping on a truck and then onto a bus and then jump into a glass pane as it is told through a tracking wide shot showcase the intricate attention to detail he puts into the stunt work. Even in the film’s climatic showdown against the bombers as the attention to detail in the fighting and in the set pieces add to the stakes of what is happening as well as providing a few comical moments in that scene. Overall, Chan crafts a riveting yet exhilarating film about a cop trying to stop a group of serial bombers from wreaking havoc in Hong Kong.
Cinematographers Cheung Yiu-Jo and Lee Yau-Tong do excellent work with the film’s cinematography with its straightforward look for many of the daytime exterior and interior scenes with some stylish lighting for some scenes set at night including the playground fight scene. Editors Peter Cheung Yui-Chung, Keung Chuen-Tak, and Sek Chi-Kong do amazing work with the editing with its usage of jump cuts and other rhythmic cuts to play into the action and humor that include some fluid cutting in some of the fighting with a lot of emphasis on showing what is going on. Production designer Oliver Wong does brilliant work with the design of the police station interiors including the locker room/shower as well as the interiors of the factory where the bombers hide out in the film’s third act. Costume designer Shirley Chan does fantastic work with the costumes from some of the casual clothes Chan and other characters wear to the stylish clothes that some of his members of his surveillance team wear to play undercover.
The special effects work of Ng Kwok-Wa is terrific for the creation of some of the set pieces including the explosives that are created including some big ones in a couple of key scenes. Sound recordist Shao Lung Chou and mixer John Ross do superb work with the sound in capturing some of the sound in some of the film’s locations as well as the way fists and kicks are presented. The film’s music by Michael Lai is incredible for its electronic-based score as it has some bombastic pieces for the action along with some low-key and somber pieces for the drama while the theme song with lyrics by James Wong is once again sung by Chan as it play into his character’s adventures.
The film’s wonderful cast feature some notable small roles from Isabella Wong as the secretary to Fung in Miss Wong, Shan Kwan as a corporate president leader in Fung, the quartet of Crystal Kwok, Anglie Leung Wan-Yui, Ann Mui, and Candice Tai as female undercover police officers who interrogate the explosives supplier, John Cheung as the explosives supplier known as Polar Bear, Andy Tai Chi-Wai as one of the bombers, and Benny Lai as the deaf explosive maker who is also a fierce fighter. Charlie Cho and Chor Yuen are superb in their respective roles as the thug John Ko and the crime boss Chu Tao with the former trying to make Chan’s life a living hell through intimidation while the latter is dying through an illness where he orders Ko to harass Chan. Lam Kwok-Hung is fantastic as Superintendent Raymond Li as Chan’s station boss who deals with some of the chaos as he eventually reinstate Chan to detective work while dealing with other superiors. Bill Tung is excellent as Inspector “Uncle Bill” Wong as a superior officer who often serves as mediator between Li and Chan while embarking on a comical moment in relation to bad food he ate.
Maggie Cheung is amazing as May as Chan’s longtime girlfriend who has to endure his duties while their planned vacation to Bali is cancelled where Cheung displays a lot of humor in her anger while also doing some serious stunts as it relates to the film’s climatic factory sequence as it is one of Cheung’s finest performances. Finally, there’s Jackie Chan in a phenomenal performance as Chan “Kevin” Ka-kui as a detective who is demoted to traffic duty until a series of events has him reinstated to detective as Chan displays that sense of determination in his job but also cope with the fact that is devotion to his work is troubling his relationship with May where Chan displays humor and humility into his performance while also doing some crazy stunts in some of the action as it’s another quintessential performance from Chan.
Police Story 2 is a sensational film from Jackie Chan that features an incredible supporting performance from Maggie Cheung. Along with its ensemble cast, dazzling set pieces, high-octane action, intense stunt work, a riveting music soundtrack, and its balance to blend all sorts of genres and tones into one film. It’s a film that does more than just be an action-suspense-comedy but also serves as a film that does a lot more than just be entertaining while being a study of what a cop tries to do on and off duty. In the end, Police Story 2 is a spectacular film from Jackie Chan.
Jackie Chan Films: (The Fearless Hyena) – (The Young Master) – (Dragon Lord) – (Project A) – Police Story - (Armour of God) – (Project A Part II) – (Miracles (1988 film)) – (Armour of God II: Operation Condor) – (Drunken Master) – (Who Am I?) – (Jackie Chan: My Stunts) – (1911) – (CZ12)
Related: (Supercop) – (Once A Cop) – (Crime Story) – (Police Story 4: First Strike) – (New Police Story) – (Police Story 2013)
© thevoid99 2019
Directed and starring Jackie Chan and written by Chan and Edward Tang, Police Story is the story of a detective who is tasked to protect a witness following a drug bust only for things to get complicated as it relates to corruption and bureaucracy. The film is an action-comedy that follows a detective trying to stop a drug lord while enduring all sorts of chaos in his life as a detective and in his personal life as Chan play the role of Inspector Chan Ka-Kui. Also starring Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung, Bill Tung, Chor Yuen, and Charlie Cho. Police Story is an exhilarating and outlandish film from Jackie Chan.
The film follows a police detective who successfully captures a drug lord as he is later tasked to protect the drug lord’s secretary as a potential witness who might have information to bring the drug syndicate down. It’s a film with a simple premise as writers Jackie Chan and Edward Tang play into the world of a Hong Kong detective who took part in an undercover sting operation as he would become the police force’s poster boy much to the dismay of the drug lord Chu Tao (Chor Yuen) who tries to avoid a prison sentence and salvage his drug operating business. Much of the film’s narrative emphasizes on Inspector Chan Ka-Kui being tasked to protect Tao’s secretary Selina Fong (Brigitte Lin) who is reluctant to become a witness against Tao but a series of unfortunate events makes her question her loyalty to Tao while she would also endure some awkward moments with Chan’s girlfriend May (Maggie Cheung) who believes Chan is cheating on her.
It’s among some of the funny storylines in the film yet it does play largely into Chan’s discovery about the corruption within the police force and their ties to Tao as well as how bureaucratic ideals from the police’s superintendent Raymond Li (Lam Kwok-Hung) is trying to do things by the book much to dismay of some of the cops. Even as Chan has an ally in Inspector Chou/”Uncle” Bill Wong (Bill Tung) who is more about instinct than doing things by the book. The film’s third act doesn’t just play into Tao’s corruptive influence but also how far he is willing to go to protect his empire with Chan being the key target.
Chan’s direction is definitely grand in terms of some of the action set pieces he creates but he also balances it with smaller moments that allow him to display his approach to physical comedy. Shot on location in Hong Kong, the direction allows Chan to use the city as a key character in the film as well as help play into some of the film’s grand set pieces such as the opening sequence at the shanty town where Chan’s character is part of a task force where everyone is undercover and trying not to be seen. Chan’s attention to detail in the wide and medium shots of the locations add to the suspense as well as the close-ups where Chan makes sure that these little details add to what is to come in this extravagant and massive action sequence involving a car trying to chase another through the shanty town that is later followed by Chan’s character chasing a double-decker bus by using an umbrella to hold on to it and later walk down a hill to get in front of it. While Chan knows how to set-up and create these intricate and lavish action sequences, he knows when to break away from the action in order to explore his character and his duties that has him playing up some humor that includes a sequence of his character watching over a small station as he’s trying to cook some ramen and answer the phone numerous times as it’s a comical moment that showcases his mastery in physical comedy.
Chan’s direction also play into intimate and touching moments that has his characters interacting with other characters where he knows how to play up the humor as well as moments that has his character trying to reason with May or Selina where it would involve some comical stunt work. Yet, the film does remain this action-comedy with elements of suspense that includes the climatic mall sequence where Selina uncover files from Tao as his goons try to go after her with Chan’s character trying to protect her. The physicality of the action as well as how each shot is presented has an element where Chan can give the audience an idea of what will happen next in the upcoming shot but also allow so much attention to detail in the action. He also isn’t afraid to repeat a certain stunt but show it in different perspectives as it adds to the stakes of what his character is trying to do. Serving as the film’s action choreographer, Chan maintains a certain rhythm where he and others doing the stunts including his actors get a sense of what is happening as well as play into the dangerous physicality they endure. Overall, Chan crafts a majestic and astonishing film about a Hong Kong detective trying to take down a drug lord.
Cinematographer Cheung Yiu-Jo does brilliant work with the film’s cinematography as it play into some of the natural look for some of the exterior scenes in the day along with stylish usage of lights for some interior/exterior scenes at night to get an idea of what is happening. Editor Peter Cheung Yui-Chung does phenomenal work with the editing as it is an immense highlight of the film largely due to its usage of rhythmic cuts, slow-motion cutting, and other stylish cuts to create long sequences for some of the humor but also a rhythm in the action where the editing does a lot to establish what is going on and know when it’s time to cut as there is a poetic element to the editing which is crucial to the film’s presentation. Production designer Oliver Wong does amazing work with the look of the police station base as well as a smaller one and Chan’s apartment as well as Tao’s office in the mall.
Costume designer Ginger Fung does nice work with the costumes from the stylish and posh clothes that Selina wears early in the film to the more casual look that Chan wears. The special effects work of Ng Kwok-Wa does fantastic work with the special effects in helping to create some of the set pieces and in some of the stunts that are created. Sound recordist Shao Lung Chou do superb work with the sound in capturing the atmosphere of the locations as well as the realism of the way fists and kicks are presented during some of the fight scenes. The film’s music by Michael Lai is excellent for its mixture of bombastic orchestral music for the action as well as some woodwind-inspired themes for some of the comedy as it also has bits of rock and electronic while Lai co-writes the theme song with lyrics by James Wong which is sung by Chan.
The film’s wonderful cast feature some notable small roles from Tai Po and Wan Fat as a couple of goons working for Tao, Lau Chi-wing as a prosecutor, Kent Tong as a rookie detective in Tak who is frightened by his first assignment in the attempted bust on Tao, Kam Hing Yin as a police inspector Chan doesn’t get along with, Charlie Cho as a gangster named John Ko, and Fung Hark-On as Tao’s lead henchman Danny Chu Ko who tries to stop Chan from going after Tao and leads the attempted attacks on Selina. Lam Kwok-Hung is terrific as superintendent Raymond Li as a police official who runs the Hong Kong police force as he is someone by the book that is trying to make sure things go right as he has to answer to superiors who expect a lot from him. Bill Tung is superb as Inspector Chou/Uncle Bill as a top police official who is an opposite of sorts for Li as he is more about instinct and action yet also knows how to get things done as he acts a mediator between the police and Li.
Chor Yuen is fantastic as the drug lord Chu Tao as a man trying to run an empire in Hong Kong as he hopes to expand and gain power yet finds himself in trouble as he has to deal with Chan as well as Selina whom he believes he can no longer trust after she got arrested. Maggie Cheung is excellent as Chan’s girlfriend May as a young woman who puts herself in moments that are awkward as she thinks Chan is cheating on her while she would also later help him trying to find Selina and to stop Tao as she also does some unique stunt work. Brigitte Lin is brilliant as Selina Fong as Tao’s secretary who reluctantly becomes a witness against him as she tries to continue working for Tao until she realizes that she is in greater danger where she decides to help Chan in getting Chao arrested for good as she also endure some intense stunt work.
Finally, there’s Jackie Chan in an incredible performance as Sgt. “Kevin” Chan Ka-Kui as it’s a performance filled with charisma, intensity, and humility as it has Chan displaying his many gifts for combining action and comedy where he can put himself in funny and dangerous situations while also prove that his character is someone that is trying not to get into fights but is forced to defend himself and win. It is a quintessential performance from Chan who provides the archetype of what an action hero should be but also one that can do comedy that owes a lot to the silent film stars of the past and make something new out of it as it is a performance for the ages.
Police Story is a magnificent film from Jackie Chan. Featuring a great ensemble cast, dazzling visuals, top-notch set pieces and stunt work, incredible editing from Peter Cheung Yui-Chung, an engrossing music soundtrack, and Chan himself doing all sorts of crazy stunts and comedic moments. The film isn’t just a standard bearer of what action-comedy should be but also a film that never takes itself seriously while being a showcase for one of cinema’s great film stars in Jackie Chan. In the end, Police Story is an outstanding film from Jackie Chan.
Jackie Chan Films: (The Fearless Hyena) – (The Young Master) – (Dragon Lord) – (Project A) – (Armour of God) – (Project A Part II) – Police Story 2 – (Miracles (1988 film)) – (Armour of God II: Operation Condor) – (Drunken Master) – (Who Am I?) – (Jackie Chan: My Stunts) – (1911) – (CZ12)
Related: (Supercop) – (Once A Cop) – (Crime Story) – (Police Story 4: First Strike) – (New Police Story) – (Police Story 2013)
© thevoid99 2019
Written, set designed, and directed by Lo Wei, Fist of Fury is the story of a martial arts student who learns about the death of his master as he believes the man is murdered prompting him to seek revenge. The film is a simple revenge tale as it follows a man trying to find his master’s murderers during the Japanese-occupation of Shanghai of 1908. Starring Bruce Lee and Nora Miao. Fist of Fury is a thrilling and exciting film from Lo Wei.
The film revolves around a student who returns to Japanese-occupied Shanghai to learn that his master has died as he believed that he was murdered as the school his master used to run is being threatened by a Japanese karate school. It’s a film that is about vengeance as a man who arrives at the school to be married only to learn about his master’s death as he’s overcome with grief and guilt. Lo Wei’s screenplay follows the character of Chen Zhen (Bruce Lee) as he doesn’t just cope with the loss of his master but also the threats from a nearby Japanese dojo that wants to put the Chinese martial arts school out of business for good. Chen would confront the dojo only to cause trouble as he realizes that he and the school must defend themselves against the dojo but the master student Fan Junxia (Tien Feng) doesn’t want to cause harm to the school. Chen would force himself to do everything himself as the script showcases how he would discover what happened to his master and confront the dojo’s master Hiroshi Suzuki (Riki Hashimoto) who has been trying to rid of the Chinese from Shanghai to ensure Japan’s hold on the city.
Wei’s direction is definitely stylish in the way he presents some of the action throughout the film as well as providing this tension between the Chinese and Japanese with the latter occupying the city that actually belongs to the former. While Wei would use a few wide shots, much of his compositions are simple with some stylish moments in some of the close-ups he creates including perspective shots from Chen’s opponents as they deal with his kicks and punches. Still, he’s more about the moment in the action such as Chen’s first confrontation with the dojo as it is a moment that is exciting and fun to watch. Wei, who is also the film’s production designer with help from art director Hsin Chien, would find ways to create the set to create these nice set pieces to display the difference of the two schools as well as Suzuki’s home which is gorgeous yet displays Japan’s sense of dominance towards China in those times. Notably as the climax reveals some of the fallacies of vengeance and what one must do for justice as the opposition he faces won’t do the right thing. Overall, Wei creates an exhilarating and intense film about a kung fu student seeking revenge for the death of his master.
Cinematographer Chan Ching-kui does excellent work with the film’s colorful cinematography which uses a low-grade film stock to play into some of the grittiness of the urban locations in Shanghai to the more gorgeous look of the Suzuki’s home. Editor Peter Cheung does terrific work with the editing as it has some jump-cuts and other stylized cuts to play into the action and suspense. Costume designer Sheng-Hsi Chu does nice work with the costumes from the white suit Chen wears early in the film to the clothes he would wear when he is kicking ass. Sound mixer Ping Wong does superb work with the sound as it feature some unique sound effects and moments that play into the action. The film’s music by Joseph Koo is amazing for its score with its strings, horns, and percussions that play into the action and suspense as it is one of the film’s highlights.
The film’s marvelous cast include some notable small roles from Wong Chung-shun as a chef for the kung fu school, Han Ying-chieh as the school’s caretaker, director Lo Wei as the police inspector who is sympathetic to the Chinese side, Fung Ngai as Suzuki’s teacher of his school, and Jackie Chan in a very small role as a student at the kung fu school. Paul Wei is fantastic as Suzuki’s slimy translator Wu En who constantly insults the kung fu and its students while Robert Baker is superb as Suzuki’s Russian friend Petrov as a gangster who is quite strong and wants to help Suzuki.
Tien Feng is terrific as the master student Fan Junxia who is trying to run the school and not bring any trouble while Nora Miao is wonderful as Chen’s fiancée Yuan Li’er as a young woman who is concerned with the state of the school as well as what Chen is doing. Riki Hashimoto is excellent as the antagonist Hiroshi Suzuki as a crime boss who runs a dojo that is trying to increase his business and rule by trying to get rid of the kung fu school. Finally, there’s Bruce Lee in a phenomenal performance as Chen Zhen as a student of the school who is trying to avenge the death of his master while trying to see if the man was really murdered as he also become aware of the prejudice toward his people during Japan’s occupation of Shanghai as it’s one of Lee’s finest performances.
Fist of Fury is an incredible film from Lo Wei that features an iconic performance from the late Bruce Lee. It’s a film that knows what it is while being something a bit more in terms of what is expected in a martial arts film. In the end, Fist of Fury is a remarkable film from Lo Wei.
Related: The Big Boss - The Way of the Dragon – Enter the Dragon - Game of Death
© thevoid99 2017
Directed by Robert Clouse and Bruce Lee and written by Lee and Michael Allin, Enter the Dragon is the story of a martial arts expert who travels to attend an invitational tournament as he goes undercover to uncover some crimes as well as find the man who killed his sister. The film isn’t just a suspense-mystery where a man tries to uncover a dark plot from a crime boss but also a film that is filled with lots of action led by its star Bruce Lee. Also starring John Saxon, Ahna Capri, Jim Kelly, Bolo Yeung, Robert Wall, and Shih Kein. Enter the Dragon is an enthralling and gripping film from Robert Clouse and Bruce Lee.
Invited to take part in a secret tournament along with many martial arts master, the film revolves around a master who is asked to go undercover to attend the tournament where he would uncover many secret things by its organizer as well as find the man who killed his sister. While it is a story that is quite simple, it plays into a man who isn’t seeking vengeance but also restore honor into the Shaolin temple he was trained at and stop this man from unleashing evil into the world. The film’s script doesn’t just play into the motivation of Lee (Bruce Lee) who knows not whom he has to go after in this crime lord named Han (Shih Kein) but also what Han had done that has brought disgrace to the temple Lee trains at. Joining Lee are two Americans who both enter the tournament to hide from their own problems back home as they hope to find some redemption yet become suspicious of what Han is doing. Even as the script reveals what must be done prompting Lee to stop Han once and for all.
The film’s direction by Robert Clouse not only captures the energy of the action as well as knowing how to create intrigue and drama that occurs on the film. Especially in how he establishes the motivations of the characters in the film and why they’re in the tournament like Roper (John Saxon) and Williams (Jim Kelly) though Lee’s motivation is broadened more not just through flashbacks but also in the film’s opening sequence as the latter is directed by Bruce Lee. Clouse’s usage of wide shots for the scenes in Hong Kong would add to the tone of the film as it’s very exotic but also entrancing despite some of the darker moments that goes on inside Han’s house. Even in some of the intimate moments that play into the suspense and drama while there are a few moments that are light-hearted.
For the fight scenes which were choreographed by Lee, Clouse knows where to place the camera for the scenes where he uses a few close-ups but also some medium and wide shots to establish the setting and locations. Clouse also knows when to build the tension for the suspense such as the film’s climax that includes a showdown between Lee and Han inside a mirrored room. It’s definitely one of the most gripping sequences captured on film where it’s a room full of mirrors as it’s about where the enemy is and who will strike. More importantly, it ponders where the camera is shot and how the hell the camera or the cameraman was able to not be seen in the mirror which only makes the sequence even more astonishing. Overall, Clouse and Lee create an exciting and engaging film about a man who goes to a tournament to kick ass and save the world from corruption and evil.
Cinematographer Gilbert Hubbs does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography from the usage of lights for some of the interior scenes at the prison to the lights for the scenes set at night. Editors Yao Chung Chang, Kurt Hirschler, and George Watters do amazing work with the editing as it features some unique rhythms for the fights and knowing when to cut for a certain moment of action as well as the usage of stylish transition for the flashback sequences. Art director Shen Chien does brilliant work with the set design from the home of Han and his many rooms including the room of mirrors as well as the prison and factory where he does his secret work.
Costume designer Sheng-Hsi Chu does nice work with the costumes from the look of the men in what they wear to the clothes the women wear where they please the men. The sound work of Ping Wong is superb as much of it is post-production work that features some sound effects in the kicks and hits as well as in some of the moments that occur in Han‘s underground prison/factory. The film’s music by Lalo Schifrin is fantastic with its mixture of jazz, orchestral music, and funk as it plays into the energy of the film as well as some of its suspense as it’s definitely a major highlight of the film.
The film’s incredible cast features appearances from such future martial arts icons as Sammo Hung as the man Lee fights in the opening sequence, Pat E. Johnson as a mob hood trying to kill Roper, and Jackie Chan as a prison thug who tries to attack Lee. Other notable small roles include Peter Archer as a New Zealand fighter named Archer, Angelo Mao as Lee’s sister, Betty Chung as a spy named Mei Ling who works undercover as one of Han’s women, Geoffrey Weeks as a British government agent named Braithwaite, Roy Chiao as Lee’s Shaolin master, and Bolo Yeung as one of Han’s top fighters in Bolo. Robert Wall is terrific as Han’s bodyguard O’Hara who is the man that likes to intimidate people as he is also the man who killed Lee’s sister. Ahna Capri is wonderful as Han’s assistant Tania who falls for Roper while being the one to lead the women into sleeping with the men.
Jim Kelly is fantastic as Williams as this African-American activist who is on the run after beating some racist policeman as he’s a man that is cool and knows how to kick some ass. Shih Kien is superb as Han as this crime lord that doesn’t seem intimidating until he proves to be a formidable fighter with a special handicap that allows him to beat his opponents as his voice is dubbed by Keye Luke. John Saxon is excellent as Roper as this gambling playboy who flees to Hong Kong over debt payments as he is a man that likes a good time until he learns more about what Han does. Finally, there’s Bruce Lee in a magnificent performance as Lee as this man who is a true master in martial arts as he strives to do what is right in the world while avenging his sister and bring honor back to his temple. Even as Lee proves to be a complete and total badass without the need to do much as he just lets his skills do the talking as it is an iconic performance from the legend.
Enter the Dragon is a phenomenal film from Robert Clouse and Bruce Lee that features an outstanding performance from Lee in one of his final film roles. The film isn’t just one of the finest films of the martial arts genre but also an adventurous film that has a lot of action, suspense, humor, and drama rolled into one. Even as it takes a story that is very simple and make it bigger to get audiences excited to see guys kick some ass. In the end, Enter the Dragon is a spectacular film from Robert Clouse and Bruce Lee.
Related: The Big Boss - Fist of Fury - The Way of the Dragon - Game of Death
© thevoid99 2015
Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 11/13/09 w/ Additional Edits.
Directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson with a screenplay by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger based on a story by Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris. Kung Fu Panda tells the story of a kung fu-loving panda in ancient China who is mistakenly chosen to become a legendary warrior. Meanwhile, an angry tiger breaks free from prison to wreak havoc on a peaceful valley as the only person that can stop is the panda. A mixture of martial arts films with comedy, light-drama, and inspirational drama. It's a film that is truly entertaining while having something to say. With an all-star voice cast that includes Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, David Cross, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, Ian MacShane, Dan Fogler, Michael Clarke Duncan, Randall Duk Kim, James Hong, and Jackie Chan. Kung Fu Panda is a charming, fun, and entertaining film from Mark Osborne & John Stevenson.
The film is a lot of things but really, it's about a panda who becomes an unlikely hero despite the fact that he's clumsy, fat, and not knowing a lot of skills that a kung fu master would have yet. There's something else that makes the film far more than just an entertaining film with action sequences and comedy. It's about how a teacher like Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) can make a fat, clumsy panda like Po (Jack Black) into a warrior that he's destined to be. At first, Shifu is convinced that Po is not the Dragon Warrior only to realize that he might be the only person that can help rectify the mistake he made in raising Tai Lung (Ian MacShane) to believe that he would be the Dragon Warrior.
While Shifu has taught his students in ways that is traditional, with Po, he realized that he can't teach him the same way he taught the Furious Five. In this unconventional approach, both teacher and student bond while becoming unlikely heroes where the student gains confidence while the teacher finds a sense of redemption and peace that he's craving for. That's one of the big themes about the film while the secret revealed in the Dragon Scroll is actually much simpler than it is. For someone as inexperienced and with a limited knowledge of kung fu like Po to face someone as fierce and as skilled as Tai Lung seems like a total mismatch. Yet, it's not about how many moves or how fast or powerful your moves are. It's all about what you can do with what little you know and how to apply while still getting the job done.
The writers of the film do an amazing job in creating universal themes that aren't heavy-handed along with memorable characters and development for the story to be engaging. The direction of Mark Osborne and John Stevenson is truly superb in its recreation of ancient China along with sequences and set pieces that are phenomenal. Notably the action sequences that move with great rhythm and composed with great style that is similar to the film work of Zhang Yimou as well as Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. At the same time, they make a martial arts film that isn't a parody but rather as an action film with dabbles of humor and drama. The visual look of the film is definitely stunning as they do raise the bar for everything they did in comparison to the other work that Dreamworks animation do. While it may not have the vast visual flair of Pixar, Osborne and Stevenson do succeed in crafting a solid film that is entertaining and enlightening.
The animation is definitely phenomenal with some fantastic lighting designs by cinematographer Yong Duk Jhun along with art direction by production designer Raymond Zibach and art director Tang Kheng Heng in the look of the Jade Palace and prison where Tai Lung stayed. Clare De Chenu's editing is definitely phenomenal in its sense of rhythm while using jump-cuts and freeze-frames for the action sequences to keep things going. Sound designer Ethan Van der Ryn and sound editor Erik Aadahl do great work in the sound of swords and grunts that goes on for the action sequences. The music of Hans Zimmer and John Powell is wonderful for its mixture of intense orchestral pieces for action scenes along with traditional Chinese music for its scenery and atmosphere. The soundtrack also includes a fantastic cover of Kung Fu Fighting performed by Cee-Lo and Jack Black.
The casting is excellent with some cameo voices from Wayne Knight, Laura Kightlinger, JR Reed, and Jack Black's Tenacious D partner Kyle Gass. Michael Clarke Duncan's voice as the prison warden Vachir is wonderfully comical along with Dan Fogler as the scared goose Zeng. Randall Duk Kim provides the right notes for the wise tortoise Master Oogway while James Hong provides a nice warmth and humor to the role of Po's goose father Mr. Ping. In the roles of the Furious Five, Seth Rogen provides some nice humor as Mantis while David Cross plays straight man as the calm, restrained Crane. Lucy Liu is very good as the sensitive Viper while Jackie Chan adds some humor and restraint as Monkey. In the role of Tigress, Angelina Jolie is excellent as the humorless and skillful warrior who doesn't respect Po only to realize that she is not strong enough to face Tai Lung.
Ian MacShane is great as Tai Lung, the fierce warrior who is anxious to attain the Dragon Scroll while is filled with lots of hate and anger over the fact that he wasn't chosen the first time around. Dustin Hoffman is brilliant as Master Shifu, a skillful master who at first ridicules Po while possessing no humor until he realizes how he can reach him where Hoffman displays a sense of warmth and charm. Finally, there's Jack Black who is perfectly cast as Po, the title character who is this clumsy yet funny panda who becomes this great warrior while displaying some vulnerability and confidence that makes his character appealing.
Kung Fu Panda is a marvelous film from Dreamworks Animation. With an amazing voice cast and phenomenal technical work, it's a film that is visually stunning but also entertaining. While the story is formulaic but works, it is a film that is worth watching over and over again as Kung Fu Panda is just a fun, enlightening film to watch.
© thevoid99 2013
