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Reviews
Swiri (1999)
If you love a good action film, this is for you.
Spoiler alert: A major plot device is mentioned.
I'm not the most informed when it comes to foreign films. In fact most of my "discoveries" are entirely based on the cover catching my eye--shame on me. I'm grateful that Shiri did just that. The movie has all of the makings of any American made action film: great sense of tension between heroes and villains, lots of bullets and car chases, and a beautiful lethal lady. The dialogue is well written, neither stilted nor lame. The tension of North and South Korea is a wonderful backdrop for this kind of espionage thriller. The only downfall, if you want to call it that, is that the mystery around the mysterious Hee is real easy to figure out for anyone watching the film. The creators weren't really trying to throw you off track and make you believe it could be anyone else. This does not deter from the fun of the film. If you love really great action films like Die Hard or the Rock, then I strongly recommend Shiri.
Following (1998)
Very much a precursor to Memento.
After seeing "Memento" for the first time I discovered that this film was out there somewhere. It is definitely an obvious precursor to the short term memory thriller. Do not let the lack of major players scare you off. In my humble opinion, the lack of big names actors make the film all that more likable. Is it just me or does the lead look an awful lot like Eric Clapton?
Am zin (1999)
An action thriller comparable to the best from the States.
I've recently seen An zhan. Not because it was a Hong Kong film, but because I was looking for a change from the films being produced here in the US. In my humble opinion, I believe the film could easily compete against the action thrillers being produced here, except for the traditional idiocyncracies of Hong Kong film. The one that still bothers me was the chief inspector character. I still don't understand why there has to be a complete-idiot-comic-relief-type character even in the serious films that come out of Hong Kong, but I can live with it when the movie is this good. The characters are believable even if the situations they are in are not. The story is fast paced and really sucks you in to it. The real cincher scenes for me were the two bus rides that the thief character takes. Overall, a really solid film.
The Million Dollar Hotel (2000)
A true vision
I was sadly disappointed to find out that this movie was going straight to video. Being a long time U2 fan, I really wanted to enjoy Bono's vision on the big screen. Now that I have enjoyed this film in the privacy of my own home, I am saddened that more will not get to see it. It is high on my recommendation list for anyone who enjoys a sense of magic in their reality.