"Crime Story" was also Chan's first film based on a true story and one of his first major dramatic roles. The action was also pretty good as Chan took more of a streetfighting approach and showed no sign of his normal lighthearted sense of humor which is probably why some fans do not like this film. There was a lot of intensity in the fighting and Chan and his stunt team took many nasty falls. The explosions and fires were also well done as the old Kowloon walled city was burned and leveled.

The acting throughout the film was very good as Jackie Chan more than proved he can pull off this type of role. Kent Chang was great as always as police inspector/kidnapper Hung. It was also amazing how actor Law Kar Ying and actress Au-Yeung Pooi San looked like the real Teddy and Nina Wang.

I think this is a good film that allowed Jackie Chan to take on a new and challenging role that could be used as an example to critics who think Chan cannot act or take dramatic roles as he progresses in age.

Sergio Leone's "Once Upon A Time In America" is a classic and flawless tale. Sadly, this was Sergio Leone's final picture which completed his American trilogy starting with "Once Upon A Time In The West", and "Duck, You Sucker". The film is simply magnificent--every frame is breathtaking and moving.

The film was adapted from Harry Grey's inspiring book "The Hoods", about Jewish mobsters in 1920's New York. It's astonishing to me that Mr. Grey wrote this modern classic while he was in prison in the 1950's. Mr. Leone took his work and made it beautiful with an outstanding epic feeling to it. This being Mr. Leone's last movie, it was a lot darker than his other movies. The violence was more dangerous and bitter than watching the man with no name trilogy. But there was still beauty in this movie--somehow Sergio Leone always knew how to accomplish that. It makes me wonder how he made the west gorgeous and with this film the city slums into a dream-like setting. The score adds shades of beauty done amazingly by Ennio Morricone and the emsemble cast was a delight.

This is a 5-star perfect movie about a haunting tale of friends and the mob. It's simply perfect.

The story is taken from the novel “Peaceful Days”, written by Shugoro Yamamoto. The novel was also the source for Kurosawa’s "Sanjuro" and "Yojimbo". This is the closest adaptation of Yamamoto’s novel. It’s great to see what writer Akira Murao and director Okamoto were inspired by.

“Kill!” is about two men. Genta has given up the samurai code, and Hanjiro is a farmer masquerading as a samurai. They stumble upon seven dimwitted samurai who murder a vassal of the Shogun on behalf of a local boss named Chamberlain Ayuzawa.

The samurai send Genta to their boss to inform him of the success of their mission. Hanjiro goes to Ayuzawa to get a job, and to become a real samurai. Hanjiro’s mind and heart are tested because in order to become a samurai, he has to kill Genta.

It amazes me how the characters' lives in the movie intervene. They have goals, and they could easily be accomplished, but whatever road you choose there are always consequences. The movie does go in depth in that department, but the film also offers a lot of laughs. The humor in the movie is well added, each line or action is done well and right on cue. This is a also a witty samurai movie. With that being said, the movie feels fresh and intelligent, as if it was made today.

“Kill!” is a movie that can work for any audience. The genre is an action-adventure story, but it adds drama and laughter, which makes it feel like an “every person kind of film“. I am astonished how good this picture is and how it paces itself into a truly amazing samurai picture.

I was cheated. I was robbed. Just about any amount of money you paid to see this movie that exceeds four U.S. dollars is a vicious ripoff. Was the fight sequence with the ladder phenomenal? Absolutely. Was that pretty much the only thing worthwhile in this flick? Absolutely. This movie brings shame to the immensely entertaining "Police Story" series by skimping on the fu and fight scenes. Of course there is an underwater fight at the end--meaning slow and lacking the type of dynamic aesthetics we have come to expect from a Jackie film. "First Strike" basically is a meandering, through-the-motions, on auto-pilot Jackie film. Perhaps I was mildly entertained at random throughout, but for the most part I just can't justify giving a movie that I only appreciated for one fight scene more than one and a half stars. Sorry but this is only for strict Jackie completists. I love Jackie just like you folks. That's why this film doesn't do it for me. He's better than that.

Do me a favor: at the next wedding you attend slap a bridesmaid on the ass during the ceremony. If you are questioned on this just tell them you got the idea from a bastard. Enjoy your movies, kids.

Having grown up thinking that John Hughes films were the best possible outcome for high school, and seeing the current high school experience captured as a Disney musical or stupid, forgettable, comedies, "Crows Zero" gives a new perspective on the "coolest possible" high school experience.

"Crows Zero" is about the new guy in town trying to get to the top of his high school class. But instead of getting good grades or being the quarterback with the cheerleader girlfriend, it's all about who can mobilize the best student army and pound the snot out of everyone else. But, being a Takashi Miike film ("Sukiyaki Western Django", "Ichi", "Izo", "DOA"), it's gonna' be more than a fistfight.

"Crows" is based on a multi-million selling manga. It basically takes all the conflicts and angst that you find in high school and externalizes them. Instead of stupid pranks or getting stuffed in a garbage can or trying to make the best grades or trying to get a varsity letter, it all comes down to how well you can brawl. The "School of Crows" is known for being the toughest school in Japan, and if you can survive--better yet, rise to the top--you can be whatever you want.

It's a cool premise. One that could quickly degenerate into an adolescent orgy of senseless violence or could just come off very cheesy. But Miike brings depth to the characters. Despite everyone dressing in black, they all have their own distinctive styles (and it looks cool as hell). And everyone broods really well. I mean, it's an old-school James Dean, Brando kind of brood. Nowadays our emo generation in the US tries to brood, but it's just pouting and whining. In Miike's hands it's stylistic and effective and makes you want to adopt a perma-scowl next time you leave the house.

Although the main character's run at the top is the primary story, there are a few side-stories involving peripheral characters that keep the movie from being two-dimensional and shallow. You get a sense of the kind of world where this story could take place, and the types of people that inhabit it (hint: it's a pretty cool world).

Character, story, depth, and the action is great. No showy choreography here, everything is a straight-up brawl. Think "Fight Club" turned up to 11, fueled by out-of-control teenage testosterone. Every time a fist connects with a face, you feel it. The sound and camerawork make every punch and kick feel epic. Every hit counts. And everything is captured in the very-stylistic Miike way.

So who's gonna like this movie? The anime and manga crowd should dig it. It definitely keeps its feel as a manga-made-real. Those who were into "Battle Royale" and the contemporary, Japanese, teenage, ultraviolence. I don't think this film is mature enough to appeal to the drama audience, despite having some fantastic characters and story elements. Die-hard martial arts fans should probably pass. If you like that cool Asian style with some hardcore brawling action, all done by a top-notch production team and cast, equalling a movie that oozes nonchalant cool without forgetting to be fun, you'll be a "Crows" fan, guaranteed.

A lot of folks seem to think that this is one of the greatest kung fu movies of all time. Those folks know what they are talking about. This ball of thunder laced lightning hits rougher and heavier than a Kimbo Slice uppercut. We all know the deal and we all know who's in it. The real eternal question is: which match-up is sicker? Jet vs. Yasuaki Kurata, or Jet vs. Billy Chow? There's a stumper for you. They both rock so hard that if you bring up this question among your friends who are into fu flicks it will usually spark a pretty wild debate. I personally lean slightly toward the Jet/Yasuaki showdown. Something about wind and blindfolds--it just gets me going, dude.

"Fist Of Legend" is possibly the closest thing to perfect fight choreography around (perfect is relative, but honestly it might be perfect) and incorporates many martial art styles, such as Longfist, Ditang Chuan, Tong Bei, Chin Na, Aikido, Karate, boxing, Judo, Jujitsu, and quite a few more that I am probably forgetting. I know some cats say that the general was using Muay Thai. They have either poor eyesight or just improper schooling. Billy's just busting out with hardcore Karate.

This movie is the dope shit and every last one of you know it. If you haven't seen it, you better head for the hills, son, because we will hunt you down and staple you to something so we can force you to see this awesome piece of kung fu cinema history. You'll probably thank us afterwords and maybe even offer us a beer. And we'll accept. 'Cause we like beer. Keep kicking for the stars, folks. I'll be around.

The all Japanese cast speaks in almost entirely English throughout the entire film. Once you get used to it you can make out what they're saying. But some will struggle at first. Since most are not native speakers, it sounds as if they learned their lines phonetically, without any knowledge of English. It makes for some odd cadences and pauses. To be honest, I kind of enjoyed it. It seemed like a fun and interesting idea. It just adds to the genre-bending of the whole film.

While the film is a western, it successfully balances the fine line between serious western and stylish action/comedy. Some may feel uneasy because it never settles into one or the other. Some very serious and heavy moments can be immediately followed by one of the over-the-top characters doing some schtick. Personally, I thought it flowed well and maintained the balance. Some reviewers have called it confused. In my opinion, I enjoy movies that refuse to be defined and just be what they should.

As well as being a western on its face, Django also has many elements of the old Kurosawa samurai flicks (one is even referred to in the film). The original film series "Django" is also homaged numerous times.

The action is slick and well paced--very stylish and creative in some areas, comedic in others, and once in a while just downright rough and tumble. Those looking for an all-out Asian action flick may be a little disappointed by the film's pace. It is paced like a spaghetti western: deliberate and dramatic. When the action comes, it is explosive and will not disappoint. But the scenes in-between aren't just vehicles to take us to the next gunfight. There is a narrative, there is character development, there are backstories and conflicts that are born and resolved.

"Django" is a very complete and entertaining film. The spoken language and genre-bending will challenge some viewers while alienating others altogether. But for those interested in the genre who don't mind something a little different, "Django" is a solid pick.

Yes, Jet Li's character struggles with a Hong Kong overrun with British imperialists and the woman who loves him and all the drama that follows and, honestly, no one really cares. The story is an odd mix. When there aren't action sequences, much of the story plays out like a routine period piece. The story is decent and worth a look, but subsequent viewings will have you simply skipping ahead to the action sequences because...

...these are simply the best collection of HK/kung fu/wire fu fight sequences you will ever find. You have an actor at the top of his kung fu game with choreographers who are given a lot of freedom and creativity to use the actors' talents, all captured by a director at the peak of his powers. These fight sequences are the stuff of legend, the yardstick that all kung fu fights are measured against. Not to take anything away from other flicks of Jet's like "Fist Of Legend" or "Fong Sai Yuk", but these are the best. And to get them all in one package for such a cheap price is nothing short of criminal. I paid a small fortune to get these three films from HK before this version was released.

You'll see some of the most innovative and intense wirework, skill, and choreography you've ever witnessed, stuff that makes "The Matrix" look tame by comparison, despite coming out years before the Wachowskis ever put word one to paper. Every scenario you can imagine is captured, Jet vs. one, Jet vs. some, Jet vs. many, Jet with weapons, Jet with bare hands, Jet with props like an ubrella, Jet vs. flaming arrows, Jet vs. boss characters in the most insane environments you can imagine. I can't stress it enough, this is as good as it gets. Even skipping over the story, the fight scenes will entertain you and your next several generations long after you're gone. Simple as that. If you're into kung fu flicks and somehow have slept on this one, just buy it.

A former prisoner tries to escape from an enchanted forest teeming with zombies and demons, all the while protecting a girl while kicking, punching, shooting, stabbing, and slicing everything that gets in his way.

For those who are looking at the different versions, the Ultimate is the only version to get. The new music is a big improvement over the old stuff. The extended action scenes are fantastic. And the new color correction and visual processing definitely add to the overall film. Plus, all the extras are great. Ironically, this is actually more of a director's cut than the original director's cut. The original DC was just the best the director could do with what he had. Ultimate Versus actually had Kitamura going back out and shooting new scenes and extended fight sequences to cut into the original DC. Now that we've cleared that up...

This is not a film for everyone. In fact, this isn't even a film for most. This is definitely a niche film for those that love movies that are just fun, cheesy, completely unrealistic, and straight-up awesome. To most, this film is just a bunch of people running through a forest for 2 hours with some cheesy acting, lots of senseless violence, and more blood than your local Red Cross has on hand. Yes, they do run through the forest the whole movie, but it's so epic. The characters all have their "cool" turned way up, more than you would in any 'regular' film, but this is not a regular film.

The action is super mind-numbing. The gore is super-violent in a very over-the-top way. The dialogue is oddly paced and sparse and way more dramatic than is necessary. Blood flows freely as zombie limbs fly through the air time and again. But it all works. This is not a movie to critique for film class or to be studied for its deeper subtleties and symbolism. It is, in fact, unapologetically campy and violent. If you're into "gore fests" or "action bonanzas" all done with that Asian cool, then you absolutely must see this film.

Only two things stop me from giving this a perfect rating. #1: As you may know already, it just twists my panties up when Hollywood makes these martial arts flicks and seem to forget to cast martial artists for the lead roles. This can often depreciate the spectrum of suspension of disbelief, but thankfully we have Yuen Wo Ping and Zoe Bell to smooth out those rough edges. #2 This movie is volume 1, meaning that it is one half of a movie and other issues and factors of volume two affect this movie as a result. I have several problems with volume 2 but we will get into that another time. Here is a little taste: Why the fuck does she bother going through all the trouble to get this dope ass, high quality sword for a five second sword fight that ends with a hokey "secret kung fu technique"?!? Her final battle with Bill was insulting. She didn't even need a sword to take on Krusty the Bill and she could have just shot up the "House of Blue Leaves" or whatever so why get the sword? But, alas, I digress. I definitely think that volume one is much better than volume two but I'm a samurai man myself (like you couldn't tell) so I can see how those cowboys out there might disaree with me.

As a film on its own that stands on an unanswered cliff hanger I give it 4.5 stars, but if I were to grade it as a whole including volume 2 I would give it 3.5 stars for the simple fact that the second act (much like "Battle Royale 2") disregards all of the sensibilities of the first act. I know that was the point but it was still annoying.

FINAL SUMMATION: Very enjoyable and energetic genre meld (it's a crime noir/kung fu/samurai/revenge/dramedy). The bloody end battles will keep you giddy for hours after viewing. Entertaining and worth every cent. Quentin cranks out quality. Repeatedly. Get it if you don't got it; you will have fun. Thanks for the time. I'll be at you.

TWENTY MOVIES THAT KICK THE SHIT OUT OF "CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON" IN EITHER MARTIAL ARTS OR OVERALL GRANDEUR: (in no particular order)

1. "Seven Samurai"
2. "Once Upon A Time In China"
3. "Fist Of Legend"
4. "A Man Called Hero"
5. "Seven Swords"
6. "In The Line Of Duty 4"
7. "Tom Yum Goong"
8. "Ong Bak"
9. "Iron Monkey" (the Tsui Hark one)
10. "Prodigal Son"
11. "Enter The Dragon"
12. "Blade Of Fury"
13. "Hero" (Jet Li)
14. "Dragons Forever"
15. "SPL"
16. "Dragon Tiger Gate"
17. "Lone Wolf And Cub" (all of them)
18. "Versus"
19. "Duel To The Death"
20. "Star Wars" (again, all of them)

"The Matrix: Reloaded" delivered the goods in full. More dimension was added to the story when we find out that none of the characters or the story actually take place outside of the Matrix. Though this fact does devalue the reality and gravity of the entire series, this was the second film of the trilogy so that makes room for a more conclusive denouement in the third and final film...

You know I have actually heard some people say that there was not enough action in it. Wow, do those fools have some short attention spans or what?!? The movie is about 2 hours and 18 minutes. Roughly 18 minutes accounts for the credits and trailer at the end of the film, meaning the movie itself is about 2 hours. Approximately 1 hour of the movie is kung fu fights, shoot-outs and car chases. So about half of the movie is all-out action, while the other half focused on the plot and the many characters involved. As an added bonus, this one included something the first film didn't have. Actual martial artists!!! Collin Chou as Seraph (my favorite Matrix character), Daniel Bernhardt as an agent and all of the Merovengien's monkey boys were the real deal. There was some excellent choreography from Yuen Wo Ping that totally trumped the previous film and showcased a good variety from unarmed to weapon-based combat (Keanu handled those sai pretty damn well). The CGI stuff didn't bother me one bit because Keanu is not like us. He has not dedicated his life to advancing his martial capabilities, agilty and strength, so even with intense short training he can't pull off the junk that we have been working on for years. That being the case it was actually cool to see some really amazing kung fu in the form of well done CGI animation, and I also think that it was done in a fluid enough manner that it didn't disrupt the flow of those sequences. Besides you folks had no problems when Spiderman did it, so you should be fine with that stuff going down in the Matrix. This movie was great entertainment and contained all of the hallmarks of an engrossing and thought-provoking sci-fi classic. The actors were on point and the curvature of the path of the story was nicely done.

There is only one problem here. One major problem. This movie was almost perfect, but I had to deduct a half star for the fact that this film suffers from middle kid syndrome due to its status as the second film in the trilogy. The kid that came after this one fucked it up for everybody and ruined what could have been one of the greatest sci-fi tales ever told.

IN SUMMATION: Yeah, this film has caught a lot of flak because many "critics" feel it solidifies their own credibility if they bash a trilogy film that does well in the box office. Just like when everyone bashed the new "Star Wars" films. But guess what: they weren't that damn bad either. People are just jaded and prejudiced. Please, folks, don't take a perspective because you are lead to believe that you should, because then you are in someone else's control. If fools can tell you what to believe, what does that make you? But screw the soapbox, this movie is great and only marred by the sorry ass pile of crap that followed it. Worth adding to the collection.

To begin with, I dug it. A lot of folks are mad that Jet Li didn't really showcase enough of his martial arts ability and that he somehow gave a bad overall performance. Well that's kind of bullshit. First off, if you folks are the big Jet Li fanatics you pretend to be, then you already read his numerous interviews where he flat out stated that "Fearless" was going to be his last epic martial arts movie. There it is. He told you himself there would be no more wall-to-wall kung fu movies coming from him, and here you people are waiting for him to be proven a liar.

So "War" is an action movie that feels like an anime and not a kung fu flick. So what? Nobody seems to mention that the dialog, basic story, and plot twists are well written. Nobody seems to mention that there are some pretty decent performances from the cast and that the action has a raw tactical quality that feels more real than a bunch of action and fu flicks circulating currently. Nobody mentions this because they all wanted to see what they expected to see, and it's not fair to factor in your preconceived notions into your reviews, kids. I know you're annoyed that you didn't see enough Jet fu. Well guess what? I'm fucking annoyed that I didn't get to see enough Jet fu; but I can't deny when I see an enjoyable movie, and it is what it is.

Jet Li's performance as an ice cold killer who is always ready to put a few rounds in somebody is quite captivating as he smirks and utilizes subtle mannerisms that convey maximum menace. Definitely a movie for people who love bad guys.

If I was totally unbiased I would have given it 4 stars, but even I was petty enough to hope for a few more flashy kicks. Shame on all of us. If you can leave your expectations at the door and watch this movie objectively I think you will see it is a pretty cool action flick that is worth a look or two. If you want to see a real crappy Jet Li movie, check out "Bodyguard From Beijing" or "Romeo Must Die"--his two worst.

So let me get this straight. We the viewers never get to see the actual reality of this mythology, we only get to view various layers of "The Matrix". The story in its entirety takes place in a computer program that runs through "Neo's" mind. This destroys all of the grandeur of the movie and its overall significance by the simple fact that none of anything we see really happens and we don't know if any of the characters we see actually exist or if they are part of the program. Basically the film's meaning and credibility are now shot, so let's look at the "story" that played out in some dude's head. In the future a war breaks out between the last city of humans (who live near the center of the earth) and the machines that took over earth. How is this epic war for humanity concluded? Do the humans take the fight to the machines' territory and sabotage some vital junk to turn the tide (a la "Star Wars")? No. Is some brilliant plan established to gain the upper hand and thereby prove the resourcefulness and imagination of the human mind? Again, no. Perhaps the last city of Zion unites and against extraordinary odds defeats the overwelming adversary presenting the triumph of the human will and spirit? Afraid not. Or could it be that Neo steps his bitch ass up to the front lines in all his super powered glory and lays the smackdown on the machine invaders? Not even fucking close. Basically this war and movie are "concluded" with a peace treaty with cold, calculating, unfeeling, immoral machines. Doesn't that make perfect sense? Unfortunately they left out the complete ending of the movie that takes place five minutes later when the machines decide to just lie and attack the city of Zion when their defenses are completely down, thereby killing every last human.

What a great trilogy. Not only did they get us from behind storywise, they also left out that nice concentration of fu throwdowns that the previous two incorporated. Sure there were fights. Like three. The previous one had nine or so. The big end fight of Neo vs. Agent Smith always leaves me kind of on the fence. I wanted a little more fu but I did really enjoy all of the special effects and mid-flight Superman-style battling. Always good to see stuff getting broken. The man vs. machines battle was really good too, and it is because of these two big action sequences, the special effects and Collin Chou as Seraph that I don't just brand this punk ass flick with 0 star rating. The end result is a compost heap of overhyped Hollywood bullshit. As a movie, but especially as the end of a trilogy, it is the most incomprehensive crap that I have ever seen or heard of. It could have been the defining science fiction trilogy of this younger generation. But no, the ending killed it all and morphed the overall essence of the project into the ugly truth: we just watched a bunch of Keanu Reeves' flicks. Damn.

This was originally supposed to be a live action adaption of the video game "Tekken". What sense does it make to attempt to recreate the most realistic and technically accurate fighting video game (yeah, yeah, I know "Soul Calibur" is up there too) by abusing lines, CGI and trick photography?!? Why would you gather a cast with such promise to short-change us with minimal actual martial arts? These methods are all utilities of corporate bastardization. This is why the book is always better. Or the comic. In this case the video game. When will movie executives learn not to attempt to fix things that function at top levels without their interference? No one really adapts anything. They twist, distort, then recreate. This was also the case with the movie "I Am Legend", which is based on my favorite book of the same title. Nothing was the same except the title. It winds up feeling like these pretentious, arrogant assholes have enough cash powering them that they can somehow live with themselves after they go and piss on a true artist's masterwork. The movie industry can be quite shameless and "The Avenging Fist" is a good example of such. All flash, no substance. I was being nice with my rating, but to be fair the special effects (here and there, not all) are quite good and pretty unique, and some of the cinematography together with a few okay cast efforts pull it away from being absolutely worthless. Don't get it twisted, though, this movie is definitely ass. It was loosely based on "Tekken" and had Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao and Ekin Cheng--this shit should have been legendary but instead we got something that isn't even worth the first viewing. Don't bother, you'll kind of regret it. Oh, yeah, thinking of that movie reminds me, do me a favor: if you see someone with a mullet, punch them. Just for sucking. It's like doing a public service. If you have a mullet, cut that shit, you're embarrassing the rest of us who walk upright. I'll catch ya'.

Though this may not have been Donnie's best martial arts performance--as it was missing all of those pimp-daddy trademark kicks--it was still impressive and it has however the best Donnie Yen fight choreography I've seen--ever (and I've seen most of it). The fights were flat out sick and contained the best nunchuku choreography ever put onto film. That's right I said it.

"Dragon Tiger Gate" did contain CGI and some wire stuff, but it was what I like to call tasteful wire fu, as it was performed in a fluid manner to aid the fantastic realism of the film. This is unlike standard jerky, hokey and unrealistic line flying that defies physics like in movies like "Romeo Must Die". The type of special effects used in this film wound up adding to the comic book feel of the movie and enhancing the experience. Iconic, slick and beautiful.

If you want to see a movie that presents a quality mythological intensity with breath-taking eye candy, this is where you should go.

The first time I saw this film I was a bit skeptical because I thought it was another feminist on a grudge to kick ass. I was surprised how detailed the plot was and how each character was driven to kill. It was a mind-blowing experience for me. This film takes no time to set up, with hacking and slashing at the get-go, and there is no stopping this killing machine until the final reel. Though with all this violence in this open hell world, there is some essence of beauty--for example how the wind was blown right before a kill or how there were gardens of flowers in many shots.

"Azumi" was successful to the mainstream audience for two reasons: for its over-the-top violence and its simple shots of beauty which gave the audience hope that these characters could make it out alive. "Azumi" is a wild and gory experince, but once in awhile if you look away from the violent acts you can see something nice.

This is a 4-star recommended movie for everyone and yet I have not yet achieved my goal of getting the comic. But just thinking about this film, I can't wait to get my hands on one.

Now let us evaluate the film as a "Yojimbo" movie. "Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo" is the final chapter in the path of Yojimbo. In his first appearance in the original "Yojimbo" he scams, outmaneuvers and out duels a whole damn town, so when you end a legendary tale like that with this garbage you are going to offend somebody. He is flat out played out in this flick. It is always offensive when they make an established knight a pawn.

If everything felt off, where could this lead? THE FINAL SHOWDOWN: $#!*motherf*&%$#@@#$@@$$!!!! So short, so weak, so not worth the damn wait. It is also necessary to mention that these two individuals that have previously been depicted as masters of their own destiny are transformed into mere victims of circumstance. This was also the case in "Zatoichi Meets The One-Armed Swordsman", but that was at least a better movie than this crap. This movie does have a few redeeming traits, such as decent performances, some alright fights and basic production values; but none of that fixes talent being completely wasted and stiffing the fans of what should have obvoiusly been an all time classic. If you are a "Zatoichi" or a "Yojimbo" completist then you might feel the need to own this movie just to complete the collection, but as I've stated I am a fan of both series and I sold my copy of this awhile ago because it just pissed me off too much. View at your own risk, but I would just move on to the other "Yojimbo" and many other "Zatoichi" films that are really worth your time.

Before I bail I'd like to remind you that if you shake it more than twice you're playing with it. Scream and yell obscenities when necessary. Later.

The film takes the viewer through an introspective exploration of not only martial arts but sociology while also tackling the somewhat taboo subject of reality vs. perception in a fairly classy manor. The fights are very well choreographed and you get to see very good displays of the martial arts that are showcased. My only complaint is that you don't get to see a good exponent of Korean martial arts and it's a Korean movie. Everyone said there was Tae Kwon Do fighter in it- there isn't. I guess you do get to see the gangster do a few good Hapkido techniques when he's not street-brawlin' but that's still kind of weird that they wouldn't include a bunch more of their own goodies. I rated it 4 stars [out of 5] just to generalize. For fanboys it's 2.5- 3 stars. For open minded veiwers who like movies it's 3.5- 4 stars. For true appreciators of martial arts 4.5 stars. If you are a collector, get it.

I decided that I would come back large by reviewing the undisputed champ and all time greatest action movie. Yeah, that's right, I said it. All time, bitches. There are only really two types of people that can reasonably disagree with the previous statement: 1. those that have not seen it and 2. those that do not know what the word action means. I honestly have not met anyone that has seen this film and cannot admit that it is the best action flick around. Ever. This flick packs way more bang for your buck than anything that you have previously encountered in the States. Gratuitous, balletic, wild firefights are interwoven through a well designed story that is pumped full of not only ammunition but stellar performances from an excellent cast. Tony Leung is enigmatic. Chow Yun Fat is a brooding, unhinged wrecking ball. Anthony Wong is fucking Tony Montana. Phillip Kwok is that killa. This is the apex of cop/crime/noir/action entertainment. Saying that the action sequences are phenomenal would actually be making a vast understatement. The action is so plentiful and just unstoppable. Expect a variety of violence goodies involving not just wild gunplay but also quality stunts, explosions when needed and of course one straight up dope throwdown that brings as much hardcore noise as any trigger pull. "Hard Boiled" is the action gift that keeps on giving. Make sure you own this because you are a man and the absence of this in your library could bring that fact into question. This is Bastard Ronin delivering the goods the way you won't shut up about. Light some fires, kids. I'm 'bout to raise hell...

The 'mano a mano' fight sequences are few and far between, and when they do pop up they aren't mind-blowing, wire-fu fests a la "The Matrix". They are actually slowly paced and play out more like something you'd see at a stage play. Most of the action is of the CGI variety, and the final battle is truly epic. But much of the film revolves around the morality tale on the nature of existence and other such philosophical tenets. The main characters struggle to find their place in the world and strive to make their relationships with those around them work.

The story takes place after a great war in a Japan that resembles a kind of neo-fascist, "Final Fantasy"-esque, overly industrialized society. Science is God, but politics stand in the way of progress. As is the tendency with Asian films, plot details aren't spoon-fed to the audience. Character relationships and motivations often-times have to be ascertained by observing, even if it does tend to get a little frustrating at times.

While the story can get a bit stretched at times, it is enjoyable--and ultimately beautiful. The visuals are quite a treat. My biggest complaint is that it feels as if the director may have bitten off more than he could chew. Sometimes it feels like the movie got away from him or that he tried to go a little bigger than budgets or technical constraints would allow.

That aside, this is definitely sci-fi art, not sci-fi action. Those looking for some live-action anime that is more story- and character-driven should enjoy this flick. Same goes for those that like their sci-fi not wrapped in fast-food tie-ins or toy sales. But if it's the next "Matrix" you're looking for (even if some reviewer says it's better than both "Matrix" sequels combined), you'd be better off skipping this one.

The story is fascinating, about Byung-du who is a 29-year-old career criminal working for the middle-rank enforcer Sang-chul. Burdened with a terminally ill mother and taking care of younger siblings, Byung-du is feeling financial pressure as a substitute patriarch. When the big boss President Hwang is cornered by a corrupt prosecutor, Byung-du volunteers for a whack job and wins the big man's trust. However, his real trouble begins when friend Min-ho, an aspiring movie director, asks him to be a consultant for the latter's debut film.

The performances from the actors and actresses were wonderfully done. The cast made it look easy, and that is a trick, especially in a movie full of twists and turns.

I absolutely love the score of the picture. It has a classical instrumental French vibe to it, and somehow it fits perfectly in this Korean crime movie. The action--or should I say killings--was realistic and it shows. The punches, kicks, and stabbings were done realistically. There was no Hollywood element to it. The director and writer, Ha Yu, made an excellent gangster movie. “A Dirty Carnival” has beautiful shots. Though it is violent and gritty, Mr. Ha Yu has a great eye of the world. In this film we see two sides: the civilian side of living, and the gangster side of living. It’s an achievement how he captures them both.

“A Dirty Carnival” is the most realistic and violent gangster picture I have ever seen. The performances and story are captivating to watch. The score is amazing. I love this picture.