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Review
by Kozo: |
This
thriller drama set in Japan has Chinese New Wave written all over
it, which is no surprise as Ann Hui directed it. Cherie Chung
stars as a Chinese student in Japan. In the day, she goes to school.
At night, she's a part-time bar girl. Everything seems fine until
her Yakuza boyfriend gets offed, leaving her with some vital info
to pass onto his boss. However, she finds herself on the run and
without much help. The only person she can turn to is Andy Lau,
who has a thing for her. Still, they're in over their heads, as
the nihilism of their situation sets in. Where can they go, what
can they do? Somehow it all leads to the desolation at the heart
of the modern Asian soul, or something to that effect. Simply
put: IT ALL GOES TO HELL.
This is a noble effort containing
an interesting story, but the hour-long set-up really sort of
drags. And what's the purpose of the film? To make us feel bad?
If so, then good job Ann Hui! This is a definite change of pace
from HK's usual shoot-em-up and wacky gag-a-minute stuff. As such,
it's definitely not for everyone and may end up frustrating or
even angering those who tune-in to watch Andy Lau and Cherie Chung
act together. Local audiences probably found the film unbearable,
and given the film's complete lack of buzz, it must not be too
popular with the international art-house crowd, either. (Kozo
1996)
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