Reviews: Throw Down / Princess Blade
Two films recently seen, one of which will affect my review of 2004, so keep on holding on!
* THROW DOWN*
Louis Koo, Aaron Kwok, Cherrie Yin
Dir: Johnnie To - 2004 - Hong Kong
Szeto (Louis Koo) is an ex-judo master turned nightclub owner, but with plenty of debt problems since supposedly falling from grace as champion judoka. Now an alcoholic, all he can do is try and swindle some money from the mob and try aimlessly to win some more at the gambling den. One night, Tony (Aaron Kwok), a young prize fighter, comes into Szeto's club and challenges him to a match. At the same time, a budding young singer looking to break into the music industry, Mona (Cherrie Yin), comes in asking for a job. Little do they know that they're about to set Szeto back straight.
This film epitomises the best of Johnnie To. Some magical elements have been put together with some excellent direction, particularly the camera work and lighting. It does feel as though it has been well thought out and executed. However, there is a downside to a judo movie. The lack of knowledge amongst the cast in judo, and the inherent difference in pace that judo fights generally have from kung fu does make it fairly uneasy to watch. To has masterly covered much of this by using more artistic editing, but it doesn't seem to be right.
As for the acting, well, for me, Koo overacts and it is somewhat disappointing in what is a very meaty role for him. Kwok resurrects his fan base by doing one arm press-ups, but it doesn't quite win it for the serious viewers, whereas Cherrie Yin does appear to be growing in her roles a bit more with plenty more acting, but it does feel a bit raw. Tony Leung Ka-Fai is as great as ever in his small but important role.
Overall, I was rather satisfied after seeing this movie. There were plenty of pitfalls to avoid and To has done well and avoided most of them. Sadly, though, the film doesn't have the acting performance it deserved. One to throw about as an idea.
* PRINCESS BLADE *
Hideaki Ito, Yumiko Shaku
Dir: Shinsuke Sato - 2001 - Japan
This DVD has been sitting in my collection for about two years now and it is only now that I've got round to seeing it. And what a pleasure it was.
In a futuristic unknown country, Yuki (Yumiko Shaku) is an assassin for the House of Takemikazuchi, a group hired by the Government to keep rebels in check. Little does she know that she is actually a princess, and on her 20th birthday, Kuka, her mother's assistant, tells her that the current group leader was her mother's murderer. Running away from the Takemikazuchis, she befriends a rebel, Takashi (Hideaki Ito), who nurses her to health after a bloody fight with the clan. Vengeance, however, is on her mind.
First of all, I must say that I was very impressed by the quality of the production in this movie. Beautifully shot scenes and sets complement the performances of Yumiko Shaku, who, as a relatively unknown actress at this point, gives a very emotional and well-acted performance, and Hideaki Ito, who similarly draws your attention. The martial arts choreography was excellent and at many points spectacular, which you might expect from Donnie Yen, although I must stress that this isn't a film that actually has a lot of fight scenes.
In the end, I have to say that this was a very enjoyable movie and I'm delighted by this great find. One to watch.
* THROW DOWN*
Louis Koo, Aaron Kwok, Cherrie Yin
Dir: Johnnie To - 2004 - Hong Kong
Szeto (Louis Koo) is an ex-judo master turned nightclub owner, but with plenty of debt problems since supposedly falling from grace as champion judoka. Now an alcoholic, all he can do is try and swindle some money from the mob and try aimlessly to win some more at the gambling den. One night, Tony (Aaron Kwok), a young prize fighter, comes into Szeto's club and challenges him to a match. At the same time, a budding young singer looking to break into the music industry, Mona (Cherrie Yin), comes in asking for a job. Little do they know that they're about to set Szeto back straight.
This film epitomises the best of Johnnie To. Some magical elements have been put together with some excellent direction, particularly the camera work and lighting. It does feel as though it has been well thought out and executed. However, there is a downside to a judo movie. The lack of knowledge amongst the cast in judo, and the inherent difference in pace that judo fights generally have from kung fu does make it fairly uneasy to watch. To has masterly covered much of this by using more artistic editing, but it doesn't seem to be right.
As for the acting, well, for me, Koo overacts and it is somewhat disappointing in what is a very meaty role for him. Kwok resurrects his fan base by doing one arm press-ups, but it doesn't quite win it for the serious viewers, whereas Cherrie Yin does appear to be growing in her roles a bit more with plenty more acting, but it does feel a bit raw. Tony Leung Ka-Fai is as great as ever in his small but important role.
Overall, I was rather satisfied after seeing this movie. There were plenty of pitfalls to avoid and To has done well and avoided most of them. Sadly, though, the film doesn't have the acting performance it deserved. One to throw about as an idea.
* PRINCESS BLADE *
Hideaki Ito, Yumiko Shaku
Dir: Shinsuke Sato - 2001 - Japan
This DVD has been sitting in my collection for about two years now and it is only now that I've got round to seeing it. And what a pleasure it was.
In a futuristic unknown country, Yuki (Yumiko Shaku) is an assassin for the House of Takemikazuchi, a group hired by the Government to keep rebels in check. Little does she know that she is actually a princess, and on her 20th birthday, Kuka, her mother's assistant, tells her that the current group leader was her mother's murderer. Running away from the Takemikazuchis, she befriends a rebel, Takashi (Hideaki Ito), who nurses her to health after a bloody fight with the clan. Vengeance, however, is on her mind.
First of all, I must say that I was very impressed by the quality of the production in this movie. Beautifully shot scenes and sets complement the performances of Yumiko Shaku, who, as a relatively unknown actress at this point, gives a very emotional and well-acted performance, and Hideaki Ito, who similarly draws your attention. The martial arts choreography was excellent and at many points spectacular, which you might expect from Donnie Yen, although I must stress that this isn't a film that actually has a lot of fight scenes.
In the end, I have to say that this was a very enjoyable movie and I'm delighted by this great find. One to watch.
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