01-13-2009, 10:54 AM
directed by Johny To
Simon Yam isn't a very nice person. I've learned that from a whole lot of movies. In fact, if I was ever in a movie and learned that Simon Yam was among the cast, when the director yelled "Action!" I would instantly attack Simon. I would attack him with whatever was at hand. I'd use a camera. I'd use a cameraman. Even if Simon wasn't in the scene, I'd seek him out and beat the crap out of him -- or try to.
Because I'd know he would be causing everyone in the movie a whole lot of grief.
I'm giving Exiled my highest rating. It was a wild and relentlessly fun ride. But be aware this isn't a movie of nuanced emotional performances. It's mostly a group of guys bonding in various ways. And yes, I hate the term male bonding. But anyway, the movie works brilliantly in the ways that "Once Upon a Time in the West" worked brilliantly. If you liked OUATITW (my favorite all-time western), you'll likely like this.
Clever, unpredictable, great music, suspenseful. Film classes could teach suspense using this film. Johny To demonstrates a complete mastery of it.
I definitely need to check out more of Johny To's movies. I hadn't realized it, but he co-directed "The Heroic Trio," another of my all-time favorites. I think that's when he first came into his own.
--cranefly
Simon Yam isn't a very nice person. I've learned that from a whole lot of movies. In fact, if I was ever in a movie and learned that Simon Yam was among the cast, when the director yelled "Action!" I would instantly attack Simon. I would attack him with whatever was at hand. I'd use a camera. I'd use a cameraman. Even if Simon wasn't in the scene, I'd seek him out and beat the crap out of him -- or try to.
Because I'd know he would be causing everyone in the movie a whole lot of grief.
I'm giving Exiled my highest rating. It was a wild and relentlessly fun ride. But be aware this isn't a movie of nuanced emotional performances. It's mostly a group of guys bonding in various ways. And yes, I hate the term male bonding. But anyway, the movie works brilliantly in the ways that "Once Upon a Time in the West" worked brilliantly. If you liked OUATITW (my favorite all-time western), you'll likely like this.
Clever, unpredictable, great music, suspenseful. Film classes could teach suspense using this film. Johny To demonstrates a complete mastery of it.
I definitely need to check out more of Johny To's movies. I hadn't realized it, but he co-directed "The Heroic Trio," another of my all-time favorites. I think that's when he first came into his own.
--cranefly