Monday, March 13, 2006
More Chinese takeout
I'm taking a break from editing articles that all have to do--in one way our the other--with guilty pleasures, MANUAL's theme for April. Which is, of course, a good segue for the second half of my list of Chinese movies. (Hmmm...didn't even realize that it would provoke comment. As usual, when writing here, I'm just really being self-indulgent. Anyway...) Before I get on with it, I'm not saying that the Chinese movie industry doesn't produce duds. It does--and really, when they do? They're really cringe-worthy affairs. I mean, I'm the type who can't leave a movie unfinished, no matter how stupid, corny, or banal it is. But really bad Chinese movies have more than tested my mettle. But still, I keep coming back for more. What can I say, I love movies, in general. (BTW, when I say "Chinese movies" I mean HK movies.)
Another thing I like about Chinese movies are the titles. They're really cooky. I'm sure it has something to do with imperfect translation, but wouldn't you be intrigued by movies with titles such as these: The Beauty and the Breast; Over the Rainbow, Under the Skirt; Yesterme, Yeteryou, Yesterday--which I think are all rom-coms, by the way? I know I would.
Anyway, some more Chinese movies that rock:
A World Without Thieves (starring Andy Lau and Rene Liu). This is not a HK film. It's produced by mainland Chinese and with the exception of Lau is mostly a mainland production. It's included here because it's a damn good movie. One thing Chinese movies (HK and mainland) have as an advantage: China makes a great backdrop. In this film about two thieves who initiate a clever train robbery on a trip into the heart of Mainland China, the passing scenery are...well, scene-stealers and are as much a part of the story--indeed, it's like another character--as the actors themselves. Based on a novel, the film is about Wang Bo (Lau) and Wang Li (Liu), a pair of grifters whose success is nearly legendary in the underworld. Wang Li's specialty is swindling horny old men (Wang Li is a girl. Yes, I know the names make it hard to tell) while Wang Bo is a very gifted pickpocket. After extorting a BMW from a married man in HK who has the hots for Wang Li, the two head for China. There they meet Dumbo, an itinerant worker on his way home to his village to get married and is carrying 60,000 RMB in life earnings. Dumbo is so dumb (OK, naive) that he loudly challenges any thief to steal his money. His assumption is that people are ultimately good and won't steal from him. The three end up riding the same train and of course undue complication ensue as Dumbo's declaration alerts all the swindlers and grifters that there's money on board. Wang Li takes a liking to Dumbo and is determined to protect him. Wang Bo, on the other hand, wants to fleece him for all he's worth, to teach him a lesson--that there are thieves. To make things more interesting, there's also a legendary thief on the train, Uncle Li and his gang. The money is slim pickings to him, but he can't resist the challenge of beating Wang Bo at his own game. Part romance, part action-adventure, this film effectively suspends your disbelief and makes for an engrossing two-hour spectacle of convoluted cat-and-mouse action, thrilling knife sequences, and interesting characters. A must-see, if only for the scenery.
One Nite in Mongkok (starring Daniel Wu and Cecilia Cheung). A gritty crime drama, ONIM is about a group of cops attempting to stop a gangland hit about to go down in 36 hours in Mongkok, probably one of the most crowded places in HK. It's also about an assassin with issues and a hooker with a heart of gold. Carl and Tim, two rival gang leaders, are at each others' throats after Carl's henchman kills Tim's son. Tim puts out a hit on Carl who goes into hiding. Enter Lai Fu (Daniel Wu), a newbie assassin from the mainland who's hired by Tim's broker to do the job. The police, through the broker, discover the existence of the Lai but not where he is. In a series of plausible plot twists, luck, and coincidence, the assassin eludes the police and runs to ground, meeting up with Dan-Dan, Cecilia Cheung's character, the hooker with the heart of gold. A viajera of sorts, who sells her body in HK in exchange for money she takes home to the mainland, Dan-Dan becomes Fu's guide through the bowels of Mongkok, not knowing that the unwitting tourist is a hired killer, only that he's carrying a gun and a bagful of cash. At its simplest it's a "hitman and hooker on the run" storyline, but it's more than that. The film never degenerates into stock characters, with the actors delivering nuanced performances with believable motivations and backstories. Subplots and plot twists (including the coincidences) don't feel contrived. Also has one of the most vicious beatings I've seen on film--maybe second only to Vincent Cassel beating a guy to pulp in Irreversible.
Love on a Diet (starring Andy Lau, Sammi Cheng). Mini-mo (Sammi Cheng), an expat living in Japan, gains a lot of weight (as in!) pining for her ex-boyfriend Kurokawa who leaves her and become an internationally famous pianist. She then meets Fatso (Andy Lau), an itinerant utensil salesman who takes pity on her and helps her lose weight by putting her on a grueling exercise program. She loses the weight and reunites with her boyfriend, but finds out he's not the one she wants pala. Though the fat jokes (I mean, hello? Check out names of the lead characters!) will make the PC police cringe, this is a very entertaining romantic comedy, not the least because Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng have good chemistry--even if they had to wear fat suits for most of the movie. It's sentimental and sweet and hilarious. Fun!
Sound of Colors (starring Tony Leung and Miriam Yeung) Based on the illustrated novel by Jimmy Liao and produced by Wong Kar-Wai, the best thing about SOC is the seamless blend of animated storybook elements with live action. Tony Leung, fantastic here as always, plays Keung, who has a dating service that's going nowhere fast, and Hoi-Yuek, a blind girl who enlists his services to find her a date. Of course, you know these two will end up together. But how? With the help of guardian angels, of course! (Suspend your disbelief. This movie is so well-made, you'll forgive any leapfrog into fantasy territory). One day, Keung finds himself blind and has to ask Yuek to cope. Needless to say, they fall in love. This is actually two stories in one, so a second completely unrelated story of two young couple who meet and fall in love in Shanghai (great scenery, btw) after one of the angels messes with their correspondence. Fun, too. Should be watched with Love on a Diet.
Happy Together (starring Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung) Before there was Brokeback Mountain, there was this movie. It's written and directed by Wong Kar-Wai, set in Argentina, and starring two of master Wong's actor-muses, what more can you ask? Tony and Leslie are troubled lovers who attempt to salvage theit teetering relationship by moving to Argentina, of all places. Of course, their already troubled relationship fizzles out in a new land, as the two cope with changes, conflicting attitudes, and reactions the new place engenders. As with most, if not all, Wong Kar-Wai movies, this one has a wide streak of sadness running down the center, with Tony and Leslie delivering sterling performances. BTW, after watching this, and Brokeback, I wonder, do gay couples really make out/love like they're going to kill each other first? Is it all the raging testosterone? Just wondering.
I'll stop with these. For those who haven't watched any Chinese movies, this list is a good starting point. Of course, this is by no means complete. I'll probably add more to this when the mood strikes me. I just don't want to overwhelm you guys, hehe. So if you're at your dibidi suki, check out his stash of Chinese movies. You just might find these. (I know for a fact that Infernal Affairs I, II, and III, A World Without Thieves, and Shanghai Grand is available as a bootleg omnibus CD entitled The Andy Lau Collection. I think One Nite in Mongkok is also available). And for those who have neighborhood Tower Records with a good selection of Asian movies (Hey, Mark!), you migh want to check these out. check out also: Divergence; Running Out of Time; Running on Karma; and Turn Left, Turn Right.
A note on Memoirs of a Geisha: By rights, it shouldn't be in this list, but because it stars some of the best Asian actors, I think it's worth a shout out. I watched it and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, from the way critics were harping about the movie. Granted, I don't like Ziyi Ziang so she wouldn't be my first choice for the lead role, and yes, there are problems with getting Chinese actors to play Japanese characters. I'm sure there are Japanese actors who are just as good if not better, but I think it was more of a business decision. These were, after all, some of the most bankable Asian actresses in the world. From a business perspective, it made sense to use them. But overall, I liked the movie. Hats off to Gong Li! For someone who had to learn English to play the role, she was perfect as Hatsumomo, the bitchy geisha. And that little girl who played the young Sayuri--perfect! She more than made up for Ziyi Ziang being in the movie (is it obvious that I don't like her?) :)
So, anyone care for some Chinese? ;p
Another thing I like about Chinese movies are the titles. They're really cooky. I'm sure it has something to do with imperfect translation, but wouldn't you be intrigued by movies with titles such as these: The Beauty and the Breast; Over the Rainbow, Under the Skirt; Yesterme, Yeteryou, Yesterday--which I think are all rom-coms, by the way? I know I would.
Anyway, some more Chinese movies that rock:
A World Without Thieves (starring Andy Lau and Rene Liu). This is not a HK film. It's produced by mainland Chinese and with the exception of Lau is mostly a mainland production. It's included here because it's a damn good movie. One thing Chinese movies (HK and mainland) have as an advantage: China makes a great backdrop. In this film about two thieves who initiate a clever train robbery on a trip into the heart of Mainland China, the passing scenery are...well, scene-stealers and are as much a part of the story--indeed, it's like another character--as the actors themselves. Based on a novel, the film is about Wang Bo (Lau) and Wang Li (Liu), a pair of grifters whose success is nearly legendary in the underworld. Wang Li's specialty is swindling horny old men (Wang Li is a girl. Yes, I know the names make it hard to tell) while Wang Bo is a very gifted pickpocket. After extorting a BMW from a married man in HK who has the hots for Wang Li, the two head for China. There they meet Dumbo, an itinerant worker on his way home to his village to get married and is carrying 60,000 RMB in life earnings. Dumbo is so dumb (OK, naive) that he loudly challenges any thief to steal his money. His assumption is that people are ultimately good and won't steal from him. The three end up riding the same train and of course undue complication ensue as Dumbo's declaration alerts all the swindlers and grifters that there's money on board. Wang Li takes a liking to Dumbo and is determined to protect him. Wang Bo, on the other hand, wants to fleece him for all he's worth, to teach him a lesson--that there are thieves. To make things more interesting, there's also a legendary thief on the train, Uncle Li and his gang. The money is slim pickings to him, but he can't resist the challenge of beating Wang Bo at his own game. Part romance, part action-adventure, this film effectively suspends your disbelief and makes for an engrossing two-hour spectacle of convoluted cat-and-mouse action, thrilling knife sequences, and interesting characters. A must-see, if only for the scenery.
One Nite in Mongkok (starring Daniel Wu and Cecilia Cheung). A gritty crime drama, ONIM is about a group of cops attempting to stop a gangland hit about to go down in 36 hours in Mongkok, probably one of the most crowded places in HK. It's also about an assassin with issues and a hooker with a heart of gold. Carl and Tim, two rival gang leaders, are at each others' throats after Carl's henchman kills Tim's son. Tim puts out a hit on Carl who goes into hiding. Enter Lai Fu (Daniel Wu), a newbie assassin from the mainland who's hired by Tim's broker to do the job. The police, through the broker, discover the existence of the Lai but not where he is. In a series of plausible plot twists, luck, and coincidence, the assassin eludes the police and runs to ground, meeting up with Dan-Dan, Cecilia Cheung's character, the hooker with the heart of gold. A viajera of sorts, who sells her body in HK in exchange for money she takes home to the mainland, Dan-Dan becomes Fu's guide through the bowels of Mongkok, not knowing that the unwitting tourist is a hired killer, only that he's carrying a gun and a bagful of cash. At its simplest it's a "hitman and hooker on the run" storyline, but it's more than that. The film never degenerates into stock characters, with the actors delivering nuanced performances with believable motivations and backstories. Subplots and plot twists (including the coincidences) don't feel contrived. Also has one of the most vicious beatings I've seen on film--maybe second only to Vincent Cassel beating a guy to pulp in Irreversible.
Love on a Diet (starring Andy Lau, Sammi Cheng). Mini-mo (Sammi Cheng), an expat living in Japan, gains a lot of weight (as in!) pining for her ex-boyfriend Kurokawa who leaves her and become an internationally famous pianist. She then meets Fatso (Andy Lau), an itinerant utensil salesman who takes pity on her and helps her lose weight by putting her on a grueling exercise program. She loses the weight and reunites with her boyfriend, but finds out he's not the one she wants pala. Though the fat jokes (I mean, hello? Check out names of the lead characters!) will make the PC police cringe, this is a very entertaining romantic comedy, not the least because Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng have good chemistry--even if they had to wear fat suits for most of the movie. It's sentimental and sweet and hilarious. Fun!
Sound of Colors (starring Tony Leung and Miriam Yeung) Based on the illustrated novel by Jimmy Liao and produced by Wong Kar-Wai, the best thing about SOC is the seamless blend of animated storybook elements with live action. Tony Leung, fantastic here as always, plays Keung, who has a dating service that's going nowhere fast, and Hoi-Yuek, a blind girl who enlists his services to find her a date. Of course, you know these two will end up together. But how? With the help of guardian angels, of course! (Suspend your disbelief. This movie is so well-made, you'll forgive any leapfrog into fantasy territory). One day, Keung finds himself blind and has to ask Yuek to cope. Needless to say, they fall in love. This is actually two stories in one, so a second completely unrelated story of two young couple who meet and fall in love in Shanghai (great scenery, btw) after one of the angels messes with their correspondence. Fun, too. Should be watched with Love on a Diet.
*A note on Chinese actresses: I don't know what it is about HK audiences now, but they seem to like actresses who are spoiled petulant bratty princesses--at least, this is my observation of the current crop of young female artistas--Ziyi Ziang, included. In fact, Ziang almost always plays the same bratty princess role in most of her movies--from Crouching Tiger... to 2046, with the possible exception of Memoirs of a Geisha. Would-be Ziyis like Miriam Yeung, Sammi Cheng, and even Shu Qi all have the same shtick. The possible exception is Cecilia Cheung, although I've only seen two of her movies so far. I guess they don't make actresses in the same mold as Maggie Cheung, Carina Lau, Faye Wong, and Gong Li no more.
Happy Together (starring Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung) Before there was Brokeback Mountain, there was this movie. It's written and directed by Wong Kar-Wai, set in Argentina, and starring two of master Wong's actor-muses, what more can you ask? Tony and Leslie are troubled lovers who attempt to salvage theit teetering relationship by moving to Argentina, of all places. Of course, their already troubled relationship fizzles out in a new land, as the two cope with changes, conflicting attitudes, and reactions the new place engenders. As with most, if not all, Wong Kar-Wai movies, this one has a wide streak of sadness running down the center, with Tony and Leslie delivering sterling performances. BTW, after watching this, and Brokeback, I wonder, do gay couples really make out/love like they're going to kill each other first? Is it all the raging testosterone? Just wondering.
I'll stop with these. For those who haven't watched any Chinese movies, this list is a good starting point. Of course, this is by no means complete. I'll probably add more to this when the mood strikes me. I just don't want to overwhelm you guys, hehe. So if you're at your dibidi suki, check out his stash of Chinese movies. You just might find these. (I know for a fact that Infernal Affairs I, II, and III, A World Without Thieves, and Shanghai Grand is available as a bootleg omnibus CD entitled The Andy Lau Collection. I think One Nite in Mongkok is also available). And for those who have neighborhood Tower Records with a good selection of Asian movies (Hey, Mark!), you migh want to check these out. check out also: Divergence; Running Out of Time; Running on Karma; and Turn Left, Turn Right.
A note on Memoirs of a Geisha: By rights, it shouldn't be in this list, but because it stars some of the best Asian actors, I think it's worth a shout out. I watched it and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, from the way critics were harping about the movie. Granted, I don't like Ziyi Ziang so she wouldn't be my first choice for the lead role, and yes, there are problems with getting Chinese actors to play Japanese characters. I'm sure there are Japanese actors who are just as good if not better, but I think it was more of a business decision. These were, after all, some of the most bankable Asian actresses in the world. From a business perspective, it made sense to use them. But overall, I liked the movie. Hats off to Gong Li! For someone who had to learn English to play the role, she was perfect as Hatsumomo, the bitchy geisha. And that little girl who played the young Sayuri--perfect! She more than made up for Ziyi Ziang being in the movie (is it obvious that I don't like her?) :)
So, anyone care for some Chinese? ;p
// posted by terrie @ 6:55 PM 
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Nice list. I think I saw the trailer of One Nite in Mongkok somewhere. I forget.
Andito na ako nun when I heard about the Pinoy movie SO Happy Together. Double take!
BTW, Lovehkfilm.com
Andito na ako nun when I heard about the Pinoy movie SO Happy Together. Double take!
BTW, Lovehkfilm.com
Hey, Markie! Me naman, I always go to yesasia.com to check out new releases or old movies that might be on sale.
Re So Happy Together, is this the Kris Aquino movie? I actually watched that on the big screen! Must be temporary insanity on my part :)
Re So Happy Together, is this the Kris Aquino movie? I actually watched that on the big screen! Must be temporary insanity on my part :)
No, JDV! They're not dubbed. Subtitled, thank God! What can I say, I really like his movies, hehe. Check out In the Mood for Love. And then watch 2046. I have Chungking Express (region 1, though) and Days of Being Wild, if you wanna borrow them ;)
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