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Film Review: Kickboxer (1989) - USA Rating - 7/10   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   "Kickboxer," a 1989 action-packed martial arts film directed by David Worth and featuring the burgeoning talents of Jean-Claude Van Damme, presents a compelling narrative interwoven with intense fight sequences that captivate from start to finish. At the core of this film is a tale of vengeance, as Van Damme's character, Kurt Sloane, embarks on a mission to avenge his brother's brutal paralysis at the hands of the ruthless kickboxing champion Tong Po, played with menacing flair by Michel Qissi. The...

  Film Review: Papa 爸爸 (2024) - Hong Kong Rating: 9/10 Support my reviews by buying me a Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/neofilmblog Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   In the somber and poignant film "Papa" (2024), director Philip Yung takes viewers on an emotionally charged journey through the shattered world of Yuen, portrayed with raw intensity by Lau Ching Wan. This Hong Kong family drama delves deep into the profound grief and turmoil that ensue after Yuen's wife and daughter fall victim to the hands of his mentally ill son. Lau Ching Wan's performance is nothing short of...

Film Review: Blossoms Under Somewhere 寄了一整個春天 (2024) - Hong Kong Rating: 6.5/10   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   In "Blossoms Under Somewhere," director Riley Yip Yuk Ying crafts a bittersweet narrative that delves into the complexities of loneliness and the pursuit of love. The film follows Ching, portrayed with nuanced vulnerability by Marf Yau, a high school girl grappling with a stutter that isolates her from her peers. Alongside her only friend, Rachel (Sheena Chan), Ching navigates the unconventional world of a second-hand lingerie business, where she unexpectedly finds validation and affection. Yau's performance as Ching...

Film Review: Double Impact (1991) - USA Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ (7/10)   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia) "Double Impact" catapults viewers into a high-octane world of double trouble, courtesy of the iconic Jean-Claude Van Damme. Set against the backdrop of the bustling streets of Hong Kong, this action-packed film showcases Van Damme's dual roles as Chad and Alex Wagner, setting the stage for a dynamic display of martial arts prowess and sibling rivalry. The narrative unfolds as the twins, separated in their infancy due to a tragic incident, reunite decades later in a whirlwind of vendettas and...

  Film Review: All Shall Be Well (從今以後) (2024) - Hong Kong Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia) Support my reviews by buying me a Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/neofilmblog Ray Yeung's "All Shall Be Well" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of family dynamics in the face of tragedy. Anchored by the stellar performance of Patra Au, this Hong Kong drama transcends cultural boundaries to deliver a universal tale that tugs at the heartstrings and ignites contemplation on LGBT rights, cross-generational and social issues. At the core of the narrative are Angie and Pat, a...