Amazon.com

"It's an epic!" howls one of the fighters in the free-for-all finale, overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters that get crowded into a single room, all pounding away at each other. Indeed, every comic actor and most of the leading action stars in Hong Kong in 1983 seem to have been squeezed into this amiable kung fu comedy--there are even tiny cameo appearances by several famous movie directors (Ann Hui, Tsui Hark, Wu Ma). This picture marks the debut of a loose-knit group of farce-action stalwarts, the Five Lucky Stars, stumble-bum reformed crooks who attempt to go straight by setting up a cleaning service, but can't seem to help getting into tons of trouble. The Stars went on to appear in several sequels, including My Lucky Stars. Jackie Chan, as a cop pursuing the hapless crooks, is essentially the straight man here, and he seems to be using a stunt double in some of his big scenes. This is a close as Chan ever got to phoning in a performance. --David Chute ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Not much Chan in this one!
I didn't care that much for this film--I checked it out to seea Jackie Chan movie, but he's not really in this one that much,although the two longer scenes he is in are good ones, and generally the fight scenes are pretty entertaining. However, the humor in this one seemed moronic to me, and there was SOOOO much of it! But if you really like Sammo Hung and his sense of humor, you'll love it.

Winners And Sinners (1983)
JACKIE IS NOT THE STAR! This film is silly but nice silly, you know? It is about a group of ex-cons who try to go clean after being released from prison.

One of the Best Kung-Fu Comedy Films
The "Lucky Stars" crew which includes Sammo Hung, Richard Ng, Jacky Chan, etc. show what Kung-Fu Comedy is all about. This is one of my all time favorite Kung-Fu Comedies, I liked it better than "My Lucky Stars" one of my other favorites. Sammo and Jacky display their fighting skills (although Jacky had a minor role) and Richard Ng is hilarious especially in the "invisible" scene. Their fight scenes (again Richard splits my sides with his "rope-a-dope" boxing) and scams just made me keep rewinding and laughing. This is definitely one to add to your Martial Arts Collection.

Underrated film!!!
Ok, so Jackie Chan had a background role in this film and most of the humour was immature. However, I really liked it, especially the invisible scene. Unfortunately, the subtitled version is now out of print.

A fun movie
Not so much a Jackie Chan movie, but still a fun movie that anybody will enjoy. Some good fights and great stunts by Chan. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

not an easy film to like but...
OCTB isn't an easy film to like. The "good" cop isn't so good. The "bad" guy isn't so bad. While many cop films have done this with varying levels of success, few have done it with the intensity that OCTB has. And few have done it with a believable and gentle romantic love story in the middle of all the violence. Also, few have had the benefit of great HK stars like Danny Lee, Anthony Wong and Cecilia Yip. Danny Lee's character is a man possessed with capturing the "bad" Anthony Wong. And in the beginning we are completely on his side. However, we find that there is a "gentler" side to Anthony Wong's bad guy. The lengths Lee and his team go to to get Wong and his gang is unsettling. The ending is great and makes you sympathise with Wong's character. This is good HK action, the pace is incredible, the shootouts great, even the music score is good. This isn't really generic HK action stuff. It isn't merely, bang bang, who cares about the plot? It isn't John Woo action either. OCTB's action is gritty, it is after all Kirk Wong, the guy who gave us Jackie Chan's unfunniest movie to date. That's why OCTB isn't usually considered a HK action classic. I liked it though, but I know people who didn't and I know there will be people who won't like it. But I say give OTCB a chance and you may like it as much as I did.

Standard HK cop fare
This film is Part 2 in Kirk Wongs Police Trilogy (1-Police Story, 3-Rock N Roll Cop). For the most part this film was standard action fare, nothing spectacular, untill the end, which pulled out all the stops in a shootout across a crowded HK shopping district, a pulse pounding soundtrack makes this scene all the more exciting. Intriguing performances from Danny Lee, Cecelia Yip and Anthony Wong(unusually restrained). I'll buy this one just for the climax. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Director Kirk Wong set the style for the lean, edgy Hong Kong cop thriller. In this drama, special forces officer Danny Lee bends the law and suspends civil rights to track down ruthless criminal Anthony Wong (Hard Boiled), the leader of a notorious robbery ring, on the run with his loyal girlfriend Cecilia Yip. Lee, who performed similar duties in John Woo's The Killer, is driven and demanding as the passionate authority figure, a man whose selfless sense of duty teeters over into vigilantism, while Anthony Wong tones down his usual flamboyant style to play a charismatic, sensitive criminal who earns the director's sympathies. There's no John Woo bravura shootouts or stylistic frenzies in Kirk Wong's sober, sometimes too restrained approach, lacking the dramatic edge of Rock and Roll Cop and the punch of Supercop, two of his later productions. But the violence packs a wallop in its street-realist directness, and Wong knows how to stage a high-tension action set piece, as evidenced in the opening chase scene and the dynamic police-dragnet finale. What more attracts the director, however, is the inner workings of crime and punishment: the maze of the underworld hierarchy and the mechanics of crime, the contradictions that pull at the police and the bureaucratic tangle they navigate. Though there's none of the romantic gloss that Woo invests his cowboy criminals with, Kirk Wong loves to explore the dynamic that separates--and binds--cop and criminal. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (2)

not an easy film to like but...
OCTB isn't an easy film to like. The "good" cop isn't so good. The "bad" guy isn't so bad. While many cop films have done this with varying levels of success, few have done it with the intensity that OCTB has. And few have done it with a believable and gentle romantic love story in the middle of all the violence. Also, few have had the benefit of great HK stars like Danny Lee, Anthony Wong and Cecilia Yip. Danny Lee's character is a man possessed with capturing the "bad" Anthony Wong. And in the beginning we are completely on his side. However, we find that there is a "gentler" side to Anthony Wong's bad guy. The lengths Lee and his team go to to get Wong and his gang is unsettling. The ending is great and makes you sympathise with Wong's character. This is good HK action, the pace is incredible, the shootouts great, even the music score is good. This isn't really generic HK action stuff. It isn't merely, bang bang, who cares about the plot? It isn't John Woo action either. OCTB's action is gritty, it is after all Kirk Wong, the guy who gave us Jackie Chan's unfunniest movie to date. That's why OCTB isn't usually considered a HK action classic. I liked it though, but I know people who didn't and I know there will be people who won't like it. But I say give OTCB a chance and you may like it as much as I did.

Standard HK cop fare
This film is Part 2 in Kirk Wongs Police Trilogy (1-Police Story, 3-Rock N Roll Cop). For the most part this film was standard action fare, nothing spectacular, untill the end, which pulled out all the stops in a shootout across a crowded HK shopping district, a pulse pounding soundtrack makes this scene all the more exciting. Intriguing performances from Danny Lee, Cecelia Yip and Anthony Wong(unusually restrained). I'll buy this one just for the climax. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not as great as the reviews would have you believe.
I like Hong Kong Cinema and have seen several of the Neo style Hong Kong classics from the mid eighties to the mid ninties. In fact a couple of the reviews I read here peeked my interrest in watching it. I have to say however, that this film was a real snoozer for me.

The plot centers around three freinds who stick together during the Japanese occuapation of 1941. During this time the British have been temporarily defeated in Hong Kong, and several Hong Kong residents turn on there own in order to profit from the Japnaese. Chow Yun-Fat and his two new found friends scheme to escape Hong Kong but are delayed when they fail to make it out together. Over the course of the film Chow Yun-Fat and Ceclia Yip begin to develope an attraction to one another, even though she is arleady attached. A pathetic love triangle type scenario starts to arise but is never fully realized. Things between the three sort themselves out in the end. I won't spoil it for you.

I tried watching Hong Kong 1941 twice and had a hard time getting into it. I finally finished it the second time but was unimpressed with the characters and their plight. The love triangle never goes anywhere, the Japanese occupation is not potrayed well enough, (in my opinion) and the side plots seem like filler to make the movie more dramatic and lengthy.

One of my two stars is for Chow Yun-Fat's presence, which probally saved the film from bombing. The second is for the occassionl stunnig cinematography throughout the film. Other than than that, I can't think of anything else deserving of a star.

I'll also worn those of you who view this film on the DVD release from 20th Centruy Fox. (subsiderary is Fortune Star) The Englsih dub version is awful and makes the film seem more like a cheap B movie with it's poor choice of voice dubbing actors (particualarly Chow Yun-Fat and Ceclia Yips characters) and the re-orchestrated synthiser sounding score which replaces the original films score is just as awful. At least they included the origianl language track and score which was a good choice on the part of 20th Century Fox. It makes the movie easier to take. 20th Century should take some lessons from Taiseng's recent releases. They take the job of dubbing and scoring more seriously.

Overall I would say if you're interested in Hong Kong 1941 you might consider renting it. I can't really recommend it, but who knows, maybe you'll find more in it to admire than I did.

A superb film.
As has been said, Hong Kong 1941 deals with friendship against the backdrop of the Japanese invasion of that year. The way this film examines the strength of the friendship between Chow, Man and Yip is excellent and the tension created by the impending danger of the Japanese is well realised. This would have to rank as one of Chow Yun-Fat's strongest performances and Alex Man has never been better. With Ceilia Yip also putting in a quality performance, this is an all-round classic. It reminded me of some of Chang Cheh's best films and for anyone who appreciates Hong Kong cinema, that should be praise enough.

This is the REAL STUFF of which great movies are made!
This is one of my favorite Chow Yun Fat and Hong Kong movies. I just loved this movie. It's kind of a Chinese Casablanca.

The Story: Hong Kong is captured by the Japanese early in World War II. Three young people try to survive the occupation. And yet, it's the fear before the invasion, the reactions and changes that the people go through to cope with the horror and the strength and heart of the resistance. And to top it off an intense love triangle. Excellent!

Best of all, you really can identify with the characters. There is real suffering and sacrifice here that leads to growth of character. This is the REAL STUFF that great films are made of. I highly recommend it. And the whole time you will keep asking yourself, "What would I do in if I was put in that same situation?"

This is a story of friendship and love in wartime.
As the title indicates, this movie begins in Hong Kong in 1941--not a great place to be at that time, because the Japanese Army is about to invade the city. Chow Yun Fat plays an out-of-work actor who befriends a coolie (played by Yip Man,) and the coolie's girlfriend. The three of them struggle to survive and to maintain their dignity as Chinese under the Japanese occupation. Chow Yun Fat and Yip Man give great performances as two men who become fast friends, but whose friendship is complicated by the fact that both are falling in love with the same woman--who also dearly loves both of them. Everyone in this film is good, but Chow Yun Fat is great in his range of expression. There is an excellent fight scene between the protagonists and the Japanese occupying general. The movie is fast-paced and realistic, patriotic without being sentimental. The movie never drags and has great characterization and plot. It will appeal not only to fans of Chow Yun Fat, but anyone who likes war movies, adventure movies, or movies about romance or friendship. A must-see! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

PEACE HOTEL
THIS MOVIE IS DIFFERENT THAN ANY OF CHOW'S MOVIES, IT'S A PERIOD PIECE, AND ONCE YOU GET IN TO IT YOU WILL LIKE IT. IT HAS A FUNNY ROMANCE STORY THAT'S VERY UNUSUAL AND THE FEMALE LEAD WAS GREAT FOR CHOW'S CHARACTER! THE ENDING IS SOMETHING YOU REALLY CAN JUDGE FOR YOURSELF, HOWEVER YOU WANT TO INTEREPT IT!!

See it for the action, buy it for the acting.
I bought this movie without seeing it before hand (which is how I see a lot of Hong Kong movies), and thought it just another Chow Yun-Fat vehicle, which was, to be honest with you, fine by me. I thought it would just plain be interesting to see CYF in a western. Well listen, in this movie, it's the acting that shines, not so much the gunplay. Sure, we lead junkies get our fix with a gunfight (and an even cooler sword fight), but the story here is deep. Much deeper than I expected. For one thing, subtlety is at play here, and that's a new thing for me while watching Hong Kong movies. I mean, I suppose it was there before, in other movies, and maybe I didn't pick up on it (d'oh! I think this sentence is turning into an oxymoron...), but here they don't slap you in the face with plot points, and they leave you to your own devices to try to figure out what a character is thinking and feeling. Some people may not care for that, but it always impresses me when a film doesn't insult it's audience's intelligence and perceptiveness.

Peace Hotel is a visually impressive movie as well. The film appears to have been washed, giving everything a dusty brown tint to it, which lends itself to great atmosphere in a western. There are subtle little tricks that may or may not have been intended by the director, such as...well, I'm not going to ruin it for you. It's quite an interesting film, and anyone who wants to see Chow Yun-Fat's acting chops should give it a try.

An interesting idea falls flat...
It is doubly sad that "Peace Hotel" fails not only because there was so much talent on board (Chow Yun-Fat starring AND working the story, with John Woo executive producing) but also because this was Chow's swansong to Hong Kong filmmaking. It could have been great. Or could it have? I honestly don't think this otherwise interesting idea (A Hong Kong western) could have worked, at least with this cast and writers. It's a shame that the filmmakers tried to make a straight-faced Western, because the Hong Kong filmmaking style just doesn't fit it. For one thing, I believe the female lead was rather uncompelling and unconvincing. I honestly couldn't believe that Chow would eventually fall for (almost like a fairy tale) for a two-timing, obnoxious woman like her. Also, the melodrama and quirky Asian humor that worked so well in films like "Mr. Vampire" and most of Woo's and Chow's collaborations is a grating clash. It just doesn't work as a western. Also, I found the film rather boring, despite its rather compact running time (only 84 minutes). Even though the film was not crafted as a nonstop HK action blowout per se, it could have used some more action between the lulls (which are far too plentiful). The main complaint I have with the film is that it throws all credibility to the winds far too often (like when Chow falls for this mysterious woman). Also, the melodrama seems forced and hokey. On the upside, though, the film does gain its two stars due to Chow's usually excellent performance (he is one of HK's most versatile actors, and will sadly be missed), and the above average cinematography (especially the admittedly great climactic battle). But the whole movie just doesn't gel the way it should. I was quite disappointed with "Peace Hotel."

A Chinese fable, told Western style
John Woo has often remarked upon the influence of Sam Peckinpah's style upon his own, and with this offering it seems as if he's seen a few Sergio Leone films as well. The sepia-toned cinematography of the outside shots owes a lot to the Man With No Name films (and in this film, the main character also has no name). The muddy interior shots also recall some of the low-budget Italian Westerns as well.

There is something missing from this film, though it has all of the requisite parts - good acting, interesting direction, a screen play with action, pathos and humor. I can't quite place what would be needed to make this a seamless whole (and a classic of the Western genre, no matter the country of origin) but whatever it is, the spark that would turn this from an interesting exercise in converting a Chinese fable into a modern Western tale just isn't there.

Worth watching, definitely, especially for Chow Yun-Fat or John Woo fans, if nothing else but to further indicate the range of these two talents. Those who only have an interest in Westerns, or in Hong Kong action films, will probably leave this film disappointed.

Great Hong Kong art film with some awesome actions scenes.
Chow Yun-Fat's last movie from Hong Kong before coming to the U.S. One of my all time favorites. Not really compairable to over-the-top HK actioners. More of a romantic-action film with a different style of action than directors such as Ringo Lam or John Woo. I recommend it for any lover of good films not just Hong Kong fans. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Not much Chan in this one!
I didn't care that much for this film--I checked it out to seea Jackie Chan movie, but he's not really in this one that much,although the two longer scenes he is in are good ones, and generally the fight scenes are pretty entertaining. However, the humor in this one seemed moronic to me, and there was SOOOO much of it! But if you really like Sammo Hung and his sense of humor, you'll love it.

Winners And Sinners (1983)
JACKIE IS NOT THE STAR! This film is silly but nice silly, you know? It is about a group of ex-cons who try to go clean after being released from prison.

One of the Best Kung-Fu Comedy Films
The "Lucky Stars" crew which includes Sammo Hung, Richard Ng, Jacky Chan, etc. show what Kung-Fu Comedy is all about. This is one of my all time favorite Kung-Fu Comedies, I liked it better than "My Lucky Stars" one of my other favorites. Sammo and Jacky display their fighting skills (although Jacky had a minor role) and Richard Ng is hilarious especially in the "invisible" scene. Their fight scenes (again Richard splits my sides with his "rope-a-dope" boxing) and scams just made me keep rewinding and laughing. This is definitely one to add to your Martial Arts Collection.

Underrated film!!!
Ok, so Jackie Chan had a background role in this film and most of the humour was immature. However, I really liked it, especially the invisible scene. Unfortunately, the subtitled version is now out of print.

A fun movie
Not so much a Jackie Chan movie, but still a fun movie that anybody will enjoy. Some good fights and great stunts by Chan. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not as great as the reviews would have you believe.
I like Hong Kong Cinema and have seen several of the Neo style Hong Kong classics from the mid eighties to the mid ninties. In fact a couple of the reviews I read here peeked my interrest in watching it. I have to say however, that this film was a real snoozer for me.

The plot centers around three freinds who stick together during the Japanese occuapation of 1941. During this time the British have been temporarily defeated in Hong Kong, and several Hong Kong residents turn on there own in order to profit from the Japnaese. Chow Yun-Fat and his two new found friends scheme to escape Hong Kong but are delayed when they fail to make it out together. Over the course of the film Chow Yun-Fat and Ceclia Yip begin to develope an attraction to one another, even though she is arleady attached. A pathetic love triangle type scenario starts to arise but is never fully realized. Things between the three sort themselves out in the end. I won't spoil it for you.

I tried watching Hong Kong 1941 twice and had a hard time getting into it. I finally finished it the second time but was unimpressed with the characters and their plight. The love triangle never goes anywhere, the Japanese occupation is not potrayed well enough, (in my opinion) and the side plots seem like filler to make the movie more dramatic and lengthy.

One of my two stars is for Chow Yun-Fat's presence, which probally saved the film from bombing. The second is for the occassionl stunnig cinematography throughout the film. Other than than that, I can't think of anything else deserving of a star.

I'll also worn those of you who view this film on the DVD release from 20th Centruy Fox. (subsiderary is Fortune Star) The Englsih dub version is awful and makes the film seem more like a cheap B movie with it's poor choice of voice dubbing actors (particualarly Chow Yun-Fat and Ceclia Yips characters) and the re-orchestrated synthiser sounding score which replaces the original films score is just as awful. At least they included the origianl language track and score which was a good choice on the part of 20th Century Fox. It makes the movie easier to take. 20th Century should take some lessons from Taiseng's recent releases. They take the job of dubbing and scoring more seriously.

Overall I would say if you're interested in Hong Kong 1941 you might consider renting it. I can't really recommend it, but who knows, maybe you'll find more in it to admire than I did.

A superb film.
As has been said, Hong Kong 1941 deals with friendship against the backdrop of the Japanese invasion of that year. The way this film examines the strength of the friendship between Chow, Man and Yip is excellent and the tension created by the impending danger of the Japanese is well realised. This would have to rank as one of Chow Yun-Fat's strongest performances and Alex Man has never been better. With Ceilia Yip also putting in a quality performance, this is an all-round classic. It reminded me of some of Chang Cheh's best films and for anyone who appreciates Hong Kong cinema, that should be praise enough.

This is the REAL STUFF of which great movies are made!
This is one of my favorite Chow Yun Fat and Hong Kong movies. I just loved this movie. It's kind of a Chinese Casablanca.

The Story: Hong Kong is captured by the Japanese early in World War II. Three young people try to survive the occupation. And yet, it's the fear before the invasion, the reactions and changes that the people go through to cope with the horror and the strength and heart of the resistance. And to top it off an intense love triangle. Excellent!

Best of all, you really can identify with the characters. There is real suffering and sacrifice here that leads to growth of character. This is the REAL STUFF that great films are made of. I highly recommend it. And the whole time you will keep asking yourself, "What would I do in if I was put in that same situation?"

This is a story of friendship and love in wartime.
As the title indicates, this movie begins in Hong Kong in 1941--not a great place to be at that time, because the Japanese Army is about to invade the city. Chow Yun Fat plays an out-of-work actor who befriends a coolie (played by Yip Man,) and the coolie's girlfriend. The three of them struggle to survive and to maintain their dignity as Chinese under the Japanese occupation. Chow Yun Fat and Yip Man give great performances as two men who become fast friends, but whose friendship is complicated by the fact that both are falling in love with the same woman--who also dearly loves both of them. Everyone in this film is good, but Chow Yun Fat is great in his range of expression. There is an excellent fight scene between the protagonists and the Japanese occupying general. The movie is fast-paced and realistic, patriotic without being sentimental. The movie never drags and has great characterization and plot. It will appeal not only to fans of Chow Yun Fat, but anyone who likes war movies, adventure movies, or movies about romance or friendship. A must-see! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

misleading title (this is a documentary about killer whales)
don't buy this if you thinking it's a movie, it's a documentary about the killer whales, 20 minutes long, can get this in a $1 store. Not a cecilia yip movie. watchout!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

GREAT GANGSTER FILM! UP THERE W/ THE GODFATHER
I've seen this movie about 5 times now! It's a little long, but never boring!

Shows strategy of being a gangster... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Center Stage
Center Stage re-enacts the short life of Ruan Lingyu, who was arguably the cinematic queen in the 20's to 30's. The half-documentary film, with an unrivaled performance by Maggie Cheung, stirred the memory of the sensational silent film actress, whose films are rarely watched by the current generation of audience.

Ruan was a modern woman, yet still suffering from the weakness of her character, which eventually led to her suicide under the haunting of the malicious press. The man she loved betrayed her in distrust; her previous lover sold gossips to the press. She finally broke down in her no-exit fighting with "the mighty fear of the words" (from Ruan's will). Stanley Kwan and Maggie Cheung combined exquisitely in portraying the conflict between the stifling society and the rebellious yet weak character.

The movie chose to switch alternatively between the past and the present. With some footages of Ruan's films and interviews with the cast and relevant people in the present, it provides a contrast of the ways that we see things in different times, inspiring people to linger and rethink of their lives. A superb movie, in which Maggie Cheung and Ruan Lingyu, the two divas of their own days, meet across the time, flawlessly.

another great performances from Maggie Cheung
I like the movie much better because of Maggie Cheung's performance. It goes back forth among old footages, interviews with the actors and the movie itself. It's sort of a documentary film played by real actors. And again, it's hard not to like the movie especially with Maggie Cheung flawless performance. Two scenes that just convince me how great she is: First was when she was trying to re-create the scene from an old movie where she was supposed to die in bed. The cameraman continued to shoot her even when the director already said "cut." What we are allowed to see was how affected Maggie was with the whole scene -- she was still crying when her scene was supposed to be over.
Another one was when she came back from meeting her ex-lover, who was trying to blackmail her. She came out of the house to a mob of people who were ready to scold her because of the rumor that was spread by her ex-lover. One of the people made a cruel remark about her mother and she turned around and looked at that person with so much pain -- you would feel that the remark was made to you.
Maggie Cheung usually shines even more when she doesn't say a word. Her best performances are always the ones where she conveys her feelings through her expressions.
Highly recommended, if only to see one the greatest performance in a movie! I believe she won a best actress award in Berlin festival. Wonder when American audiences would finally find her.

A biography like no other
Maggie Cheung ("Heroic Trio", "Chinese Box", "Irma Vep") delivers one of her finest performances in this biography of Ruan Ling Yu, a silent film star. The film is a collage of actual surviving film footage, interviews with ruan's costars, the cast of the current film, and reenactments of important events in Ruan's life. Flawlessly directed by Stanley Kwan ("Rouge", "Red Rose, White Rose"), and goregeously photographed, this is a must see for everyone who appreciates films and for Maggie Cheung's fans. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Creative Filming but Still Not Very Watchable
I could see a student of film really getting into this movie. The entire film is a parade of very long, slow-developing shots where the camera just sits in one place and takes in the everyday, mundane happenings following 2 characters in Taipei and Paris. There are some character portraits that work and some that fail to have impact. Generally the movie is very slow and may grind on many viewers. If I were in the mood to "study" a movie then this may have worked for me. I wasn't and therefore really didn't feel enriched by this. I would say the director is talented but this just was a bit off the mark for me. Also the premise that the main character falls in love after such a non-event is quite a stretch. And like the others, I was a bit puzzled by the obsession with a guy urinating into various containers. I got the point the first time... didn't need 7-8 more 90-second shots of that.

A modern classic of architecture in film
I've never reviewed before, but I just had to make a point against some of the negative reviews. To those reviewers who claim that What Time is it There? is full of long, boring shots, I emphatically suggest that you rethink the reason you like to watch movies. If you're into movies for action, gags, gimmicks, and stars, then yes, stay away from this one. But to watch this movie with a focus on its fantastically constructed shots, moving portraits of the human soul, and powerful images of modern city life is to understand why sometimes the architecture of a shot can speak volumes more than catchy dialogue and special effects.

I actually got a chance to hear Tsai-Ming a few months ago, where he joked with the audience before a screening of this film, speaking through an interpreter and saying: "Other people ask me why I use such little dialogue. I ask them, 'Why do you use so much?'" He made a similar comment about the lack of recognizable musical soundtracks in his film. What the director is trying to explain here is that there are other ways of capturing attention and making a point, and this movie is incredibly effective at that. What Time is it There? is not only a powerful story about loneliness, familial isolation, and cultural identity, but shot so marvelously that nearly every shot took my breath away. I highly, highly recommend this film to anyone interested in the construction of a shot, and how the way that a character interacting with his or her space can be even more effective than dialogue in conveying their emotional relationships to themselves and the people around them.

As far as this DVD specfically, I can tell you that this movie is one to be seen on the big screen. So if you have an enormous television, you're in for a treat. However, the beautiful simplicity of the bare shots and the architectural construction both interior and exterior shines through no matter what format you're watching it on.

TIME¿S UP
Between Taipei and Paris time is the connecting force between two young Taiwanese. Virtually strangers, a woman persuades to buy a watch that a street vendor is wearing before her departure for Paris. This particular watch has two dials enabling her to keep track of time in both Paris and Taipei. After this transaction is completed the camera follows both of these individuals in their own paths of existence. In the Director's Notes the following adjectives are used to explain WHAT TIME IS IT THERE: mundane, repetitive, and occasionally out of the ordinary activities. I can't create a better sense of this film myself. Unfortunately this film didn't work for me. The only redeeming quality it that it presents an interesting glimpse into Buddhist mourning rituals that were performed by the mother. Otherwise this film fails to deliver its intended message. There are multiple long sequences devoid of action and dialogue that are just plain boring. I couldn't help fast forwarding in dull boredom. Many scenes were left unexplained of their significance that quite frankly bothered me. For example, there were many scenes of the son urinating in a bottle and bag in his bedroom. Why?? I am at a total lost.

Bottom line: This DVD wasn't worth my time (pun intended).

slow moving and distasteful
The story of the watch and its connection showed a promise that was never fulfilled, and might have even been defiled, in this slow-moving and awkward movie. Endless minutes of nothingness in this film beg the question of who financed such a hapless venture.

Painfully drawn-out scenes of a young main urinating into containers because he fears walking to the bathroom at night rendered this movie unwatchable.

A solid film all around
This movie is great. There is a quality to how it is filmed that really just reaches out and grabs you. The movie is well paced (some might call it slow) with lots of meticulously constructed long shots. The composition of these long shots is incredible, each detail in the background, every bit of lighting has been so carefully crafted to put you right there. It's an incredibly lonely film, but beautiful. If you liked "Down By Law" you'll probably enjoy this for many of the same reasons. ... Read more