A Bloody Fight: Quick Takes

To the tones of Europe's "The Final Countdown" in Cantonese, Wilson Tong opens his modern day action vehicle designed for many of his old Shaw Brother's chums, in particular those from the Lau Kar-Leung camp of players. Therefore featuring Gordon Lau, Norman Tsui, Fung Hak-On and Lau himself, A Bloody Fight shows little sparks of director Tong adjusting well to this new era of genre filmmaking. Expectedly the story of lifelong friends now on opposite sides of the law is rather limp (although at its darkest, there is a poignant line about what use it is to be good in this world) while Tong also resorts to cheap nudity and a rape scene to hold our attention. Cheap is the word and literally the film corresponds to its title largely as the gore level is kept pretty high up, creating some satisfaction on a primal level in the process. One wishes Tong would've let go of the idea of many characters dying by spurting blood out of their mouths as it looks silly after the 19th time it's done and those hoping for a big fighting showcase will be disappointed. Lau Kar-Leung lights up the screen briefly in a fine bout, showing his well-handled transfer of his action sensibilities to the late 80s era. Could've made all the difference if Lau had been running this show. Also starring Ngai Lau-Loh, Shum Wai and Chor Yuen.