Treasure Hunt: Viewer Comments

It combines kung fu movies, the kid kung fu movies, gunfights (for no real reason, I might add), love story, psychic powers, spies, politcal intrigue--hmm the only left out are aliens and JFK (hmm or did I just miss that part?).

I am the first to admit: I like CYF a whole lot more when he's toting guns and killing bad guys. Which means a large portion of his HK movie output really does not appeal to me. I bought Treasure Hunt mostly because I own the vast majority of CYF's "bullet ballet" films, and figured I would branch out from there. And I must say I was more than pleasantly surprised with this one.

Combining everything including drama, kung-fu, romance, fantasy, bullet ballet, comedy, action, political intrigue, and even Shaolin monks! And even with its diverse nature, it all adds up to a very compelling film. CYF is an American agent who ends up assigned to protect a "Chinese national treasure." Little does he know that the "treasure" is a young woman who is being kept at the Shaolin temple who CYF eventually falls in love with.

The pacing is fairly uptempo, meaning there aren't a lot of lulls in the movie. And the film does throw a lot of genre curveballs. A fairly bloody firefight to begin the film gives way to some comedic moments with CYF's uncle, and then its on to some action followed by romance. Treasure Hunt really does seem to have something for everyone, in addition to a solid story and standout efforts from the entire cast.

If you're like me, and have all of CYF's action material, you would do well to expand your horizons with Treasure Hunt. A very well-made film that shows even CYF's lesser known works are still top-notch.

Verdict: Dare I say, "a sleeper hit?"