| One of the better Jade Leung (Black Cat) movies as it turns out although it's not without pretentiousness and therefore is problematic. Heading out of the gate full steam ahead with shaky cam action, there's definite spark and energy created through this weapons mayhem. After smoke is cleared, the story is personal as newly examined cop Jade (yes, Jade Leung) loses her man and faith in the ability to perform in her profession. Narrating the film as well, there's the psychology put forth about our inner shadows, something that rings very true as Jade crosses over to the world of decadence and thieves, in particular evident in the relationship she has with Panther (James Pax - Remains Of A Woman). Having corrupt cops (headed by Kenneth Chan) after the duo and Jade recognizing something bad AND good in Panther, the stage is set for an actual exploration too. The problem with most of these philosophical turns the flick takes is that director Chan is way too infatuated with the style of Wong Kar-Wai. Even to the silly point where every motion, every event is in blurry slow-motion. You can be deep about matters, am not arguing against that but since Chan isn't trying to create something of his own, most of Enemy Shadow loses depth in areas it wanted it to be there. Thankfully many latter parts of the film lays off the WKW style and sees Chan creating multiple scenarios of bloody death and action, culminating in Jade's final realization that her uncertainty of the world is also due to the world fooling her at every turn. It erases some of the memories of the cheap knock-off Enemy Shadow at times is. Moses Chan, Ben Ng (as a gay triad), Shing Fui-On and Peter Chan Lung also appear. |
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