The 2000s saw the action genre in a state of flux. The Matrix revolutionized everything at the end of the previous decade, The Bourne Supremacy would make shaky cameras standard practice in 2004, and the MCU would take flight with Iron Man in 2008. At the same time, Michael Bay reached his ultimate form with Bad Boys II, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Kill Bill made kung fu classy, and Oldboy changed the way we look at hallways.
Within those changes came a host of greats that didn’t get the same attention. Some of these movies represent the first steps in the development of those who would define the genre, such as Scott Adkins and Gareth Evans. Some find stars at the height of the powers, such as Donny Yen and Michael Jai White. And some are just cool, because that’s really all an action movie needs.
If you’ve...
Within those changes came a host of greats that didn’t get the same attention. Some of these movies represent the first steps in the development of those who would define the genre, such as Scott Adkins and Gareth Evans. Some find stars at the height of the powers, such as Donny Yen and Michael Jai White. And some are just cool, because that’s really all an action movie needs.
If you’ve...
- 5/9/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Chicago – The inherent drama of reality is trickier to capture on camera than one might suspect. Cinéma verité failed as soon as filmmakers utilized manipulative techniques to contrive on-camera drama. The staged shouting matches, comedic barbs and tearful breakdowns prevalent on Reality TV are as phony (or, dare I say, phonier) than the human behavior witnessed in scripted productions.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
So many films that purport themselves to be realistic depictions of life rely on clichéd misunderstandings and third act revelations to fuel the dramatic conflict. This is an easy alternative to exploring human relationships unbound by the limitations of a formula. As one of the essential figures of the Hong Kong New Wave, Ann Hui avoids such constructs like the plague. There’s more reality-per-frame in her new film, “A Simple Life,” than there is in TLC’s entire programming schedule.
Read Matt Fagerholm’s full review of “A Simple Life” in our reviews section.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
So many films that purport themselves to be realistic depictions of life rely on clichéd misunderstandings and third act revelations to fuel the dramatic conflict. This is an easy alternative to exploring human relationships unbound by the limitations of a formula. As one of the essential figures of the Hong Kong New Wave, Ann Hui avoids such constructs like the plague. There’s more reality-per-frame in her new film, “A Simple Life,” than there is in TLC’s entire programming schedule.
Read Matt Fagerholm’s full review of “A Simple Life” in our reviews section.
- 5/4/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
A Simple Life has won 5 major awards at the 31st Annual Hong Kong Film Awards, Hong Kong's most prestigious film awards. The film won Best Picture, director Ann Hui won Best Director and scriptwriter Susan Chan won Best Screenplay, while Andy Lau and Deannie Yip took home the Best Actor and Best Actress awards respectively. Deannie Yip has already won more than 5 Best Actress awards for her performance as a servant in the touching drama, including at Venice Film Festival last year. The full listing of the 31st Hong Kong Film Award winners:Best PictureA Simple LifeBest DirectorAnn Hui On-Wah (A Simple Life) (pictured on left)Best ActorAndy Lau Tak-Wah (A Simple Life) (top picture)Best ActressDeannie Yip Tak-Han (A Simple Life) (top picture)Best Supporting ActorLo...
- 4/16/2012
- Screen Anarchy
"After an elderly maid for a Hong Kong film producer has a stroke, he finds a nursing home for her to move into," begins Shelly Kraicer in Cinema Scope. "With that simple premise, based on the real life story of producer Roger Lee and his actual family's amah Chung Chun-tao (aka Ah Tao), Hong Kong director Ann Hui has crafted one of her greatest films. This low-key masterpiece of almost documentary realism features big stars and non-professionals: king of Hong Kong cinema Andy Lau plays Roger and the remarkable actress Deannie Yip plays Ah Tao, while the home's elderly residents play themselves…. Ann Hui's brilliant filmography extends back to 1979, and this new work instantly earns pride of place as one of its glories."
"A Simple Life is loaded with cameos by celebrities from Hong Kong's action-packed cinema including martial-arts legends Tsui Hark and Sammo Hung," notes Neil Young in the Hollywood Reporter.
"A Simple Life is loaded with cameos by celebrities from Hong Kong's action-packed cinema including martial-arts legends Tsui Hark and Sammo Hung," notes Neil Young in the Hollywood Reporter.
- 9/7/2011
- MUBI
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