The King Of Masks (product link) Drama / Art One of the most gorgeous films you will ever see. It follows a master of masks in his latter years. A sad fate was handed to him and he is without an heir to safe keep his art-form. He buys a young boy looking for a better life, and begins the apprenticeship. Shit hits the fan when master learns he has been tricked into buying a girl. Predictable outrage follows but don't be disheartened as this tiny actress will melt and amaze any heart. The acrobatics alone are no mere feat and she acts with a maturity that is something to behold. The well scripted dialogue and thoughtful character development pull you right in to the central thematic; that there is no one way to be a family and only a fool passes up the chance to be loved.
For those of us that are waiting for a Chinese film that doesn't end in everyone dying, rest assured.
Fans of the "Young And Dangerous" series of films will be familiar with the lives of the characters in this film. For those of us that have never taken a shine to the Y&D series, this movie probably achieves in one movie what is attempted in the 5 movie set: a look into the often turbulent and gritty lives of a group of young men as the progress into their local triad. Director Andrew Lau reveals a realistic and often endearing look at what life is like for this group of Hong Kong youth. For those of us in the West who are continually feed an image of the Chinese top student, this film provides some welcome relief. Finally, here are some Chinese young people I can identify with. School doesn't work for everyone and it does little to protect and prepare these young people for their future. Lacking in male role models in other parts of their lives, the boys are introduced to the local triad boss, Bee. In him they find the leadership, respect, protection and care they can't seem to get from anywhere else. Its a type of seduction that is played out beautifully in this film, despite all else you can't help but admire Brother Bee.
Not that this film doesn't have its fair share of pop stars. This is Nicolas Tse's debut movie appearance. I've seen many of his subsequent movies but this one is by far his best acting to date. Sam Lee also gives an excellent performance as Lam's sidekick Chicken. He looks right at home in this film and brings a natural-ness to the role that Jordan Chan should be happy with.
Overall this is one of my favorite Hong Kong movies and created a burning desire to see HK for myself which I did last year. Forget that the movie is old-ish (1998), the messages and characters in the film are as relevant now as
then.
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