Fufururu

IMDb member since January 2004
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    IMDb Member
    20 years

Reviews

'A' gai wak
(1983)

Better Than Any Film Jackie Made in the USA
I once watched Jackie on a documentary mention how a specific audience likes his Hong Kong films and a specific audience likes his American films but they rarely overlap. I belong to the former group, and believe this movie is the perfect example why.

The story does not twist or turn much but does have a certain charm and separates itself from any average "beat anyone up" kung fu film - even if a few fights happen for the stupidest reasons. It's all about a group of soldiers put together to get rid of some pirates in nearby waters which is always in competition with the local police force for funding. But the film really entertains through the use of Jackie's stunts and gags. From cycling through the cramped streets of Hong Kong to grenade training in the police academy, you bound to sometimes be in a state of awe - or at least chuckle a few times.

It's amazing some of the stunts Jackie pulled off, including falling from a very high clocktower. If your interested in Jackie's films, or want a high quality kung-fu film then I recommend you have a look at 'Project A'.

Rupan sansei: Towairaito Jemini no himitsu
(1996)

Low Budget Cliche Lupin
An old man gives Lupin a jewel called the "twilight", telling him it is the key to a nation's "hidden treasure". Lupin decides to go after the treasure, which happens to be all the way in Morocco. As with any Lupin film, do not compare it to the Castle of Cagliostro. Lupin films are like Bond films where you don't need to think too much to enjoy them. Cagliostro is in a league of its own, from great director Hayao Miyazaki.

The story is way to simple, set up just throw in what we've seen in every other Lupin film. A lot of the time characters turn up for no reason and rescue anyone just to about to be caught or killed or made otherwise uncomfortable.

Animation is basic. Nothing special. Could of been a lot better compared to previous Lupin films. Seeming this was made for television instead of cinema, I suppose the movie's budget must come into thought here.

The Lupin theme music plays, all the characters turn up, Jigen shoots fast, Goemon shoots stuff, Fujiko seduces people and basically every Lupin cliche occurs. In James Bond terms, this is like Lupin's "A View to a Kill". A few good scenes but you won't remember much the next day. The only reason for that is that there is nothing to differ it from the manysome other Lupin movies and shows available.

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