Movies Review – Asian vs. Western

Stories about the triad world of Hong Kong and Mainland China seems to be the best theme for Asian movies today, but not all of them are as great as the blockbuster “Infernal Affairs”. So far I’ve tried another 3 movies this week, 2 of them are not bad and 1 is pretty enjoyable

Heavenly Mission (2006)

Plot: Autumn Yip was just released form his 8 years’ imprisonment in Thailand, then he returned to Hong Kong trying to thoroughly reform himself from his past.

Even the main actor was the Hong Kong’s greatest superstar, Ekin Cheng, “Heavenly Mission” is an underwhelming and predictable movie. Generously, audiences could rate it at most 6 out of 10 points for a good trying.

Color of the Loyalty (2005)

Plot: A battle between Loyalty and Betrayal began when the Big Gangster Dragon is going to retired while still holds billions of dollars of the gang society. And yet, there’s some secrets need to be discovered…

It’s nice to see Eric Tsang again as the Big Guy, but the movie itself isn’t outstanding, just entertaining enough – another 6/10 movie indeed.

Election 2 (2006)

Plot: Lok is now holding his position as triad boss unthreatened. As a new election time nears, Lok contemplates breaking with triad tradition, attempting to seek re-election for himself. At the same time, Jimmy is trying to escape the triads by building a legitimate business empire in China…

“Election 2″ is an elegant and blood representation of the old game – The Triad Election. Following the first part, “Election 2″ is getting more violent, more serious, and spectacularly unsympathetic. You’ll also see the familiar cast from “Exiled” and “On the Edge” plus Louis Koo (Cổ Thiên Lạc); and I’m not having any complains at all.

While Asian movies seem to be stuck, Western ones are rising (at least during this week)

Alpha Dog (2006)

Plot: A drama based on the life of Jesse James Hollywood, a drug dealer who became one of the youngest men ever to be on the FBI’s most wanted list.

Interesting movie, outstanding director, and great cast – that’s what I would say for “Alpha Dog”.

Bruce Willis is amazing as usual while Justin Timberlake’s surprisingly better than what he showed in “Edison” (2005). The storyline is powerful as well.

Recommend all the youth to watch “Alpha Dog” right away, although it’s rated R for pervasive drug use and language, strong violence, sexuality and nudity

Smokin’ Aces (2006)

Plot: When a Las Vegas performer-turned-snitch named Buddy Israel decides to turn state’s evidence and testify against the mob, it seems that a whole lot of people would like to make sure he’s no longer breathing…

I keep my comment short: a complex story, action-packed movie and definitely worth checking out.

Hannibal Rising (2007)

Plot: After the death of his parents during World War II, young Hannibal Lecter moves in with his uncle and his beautiful wife and begins plotting revenge on the barbarians responsible for his sister’s death.

Together with “300″, “Hannibal Rising” – one of the top must-see movies in 2007 – was released early this month. And for those who love Hannibal Trilogy before, you don’t want to miss this movie. Unfortunately, “Hannibal Rising” is the worst in the series, simply because its three predecessors were masterpieces already

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