This was one of those 1980's Hong Kong action flicks that had been on my list for some time. I'm glad I saw it, but it's nowhere near as good as some of the sequels, especially the excellent In the Line of Duty IV.
The opening action scene is pretty brutal and sharply edited, but truth be told, it's about as good as the flick has to offer. I mean, it would have been better if it had built up to something truly extraordinary. Never happens.
Flick's notable for being Michelle Yeoh's first lead role and she's pretty good, as is the always athletic Cynthia Rothrock, again looking like the female half of some British synthpop duo from the '80's. Gotta love her.
Tsui Hark and his two stupid buddies create some funny slapstick scenes which, in true Hong Kong fashion, are at odds with the gritty violence. I love how these Hong Kong flicks switch tone every few seconds.
If you're a completist like me, take a look. If you're new to the genre I suggest skip this and watch part IV in stead. If you want a better Yeoh flick, watch Tai Chi Master or Wing Chun in stead. They are freakin' awesome.
The opening action scene is pretty brutal and sharply edited, but truth be told, it's about as good as the flick has to offer. I mean, it would have been better if it had built up to something truly extraordinary. Never happens.
Flick's notable for being Michelle Yeoh's first lead role and she's pretty good, as is the always athletic Cynthia Rothrock, again looking like the female half of some British synthpop duo from the '80's. Gotta love her.
Tsui Hark and his two stupid buddies create some funny slapstick scenes which, in true Hong Kong fashion, are at odds with the gritty violence. I love how these Hong Kong flicks switch tone every few seconds.
If you're a completist like me, take a look. If you're new to the genre I suggest skip this and watch part IV in stead. If you want a better Yeoh flick, watch Tai Chi Master or Wing Chun in stead. They are freakin' awesome.