29 Aug 2006

Seoul Raiders

Original Title: Hancheng Gonglue

Director: Jungle Ma

Starring: Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Shu Qi, Richie Jen

Screening: 2005-02-08

Chopsocky action choreography and campy humour return in this fun
and funny sequel to 2000's CNY hit Tokyo Raiders.


Once again, Tony Leung plays the smartly-groomed, perfectly-suited
special agent of the Japanese government. This time, he is searching
for the plates used to make millions of counterfeit notes. Little
does he know that a thief (va-va-voom vixen Shu Qi) and a corrupt
agent (Richie Jen) of the US government are after the same.


While the plot is predictable, it always fun watching Tony camp
it up a little (especially after all those serious, brooding roles
in Wong Kar Wai films) and beat the crap out of evil villans without
breaking a sweat.


What's also fun is the sharp and glossy look of this film —
much like the pages of a Japanese manga. The credit should go to
director Jingle Ma, who was an award-winning cinematographer before
he became a director.