• Where a Good Man Goes
• Wonder Seven

Where a Good Man Goes

Michael Cheung is a long-time triad member who, by the standards of his occupation, really is a good man, and seems to have found contentment and peace with a new love and her young son. But there are old colleagues of his who don't want him to keep that peace for very long...

Here we find another shining example of the notion that any old hackneyed plot can be made into a viable film with the right talent involved (we already know too many examples of GREAT premises made into lousy films by the WRONG talent). In this case, the hackneyed plot is as follows: gangster really is emotional softy who just wants to live a quiet life. He seems to find it for a while, but it soon finds him again and this time also threatens the new people who are giving his life its new meaning. But with one of Hong Kong's top action directors, Johnny To, at the helm, and a leading man, Lau Ching-Wan, of equal stature (plus an outstanding performance by Ruby Wong as the woman whose affections seem to be making a new man out of him), the old story turns out to still have a few twists and turns left to explore. Chiefly, what makes the difference is that the film makes these characters real... you know Michael as a genuine decent guy first and foremost, not a mobster stereotype, and Ruby Wong plays Lin as a caring, concerned mother who doesn't want to be involved with anyone right now, least of all this dangerous triad character, but she can't help herself. Once a movie gets you concerned about its protagonists, you're halfway home, and Where A Good Man Goes (which turns out to be the International Inn, if you were wondering) takes you the rest of the way with an intelligent script, quality film-making, and a number of plot developments that don't play according to formula. That's not to say that there are stunning shockers, but if you think that certain things are bound to happen because that's the way it always turns out in these kinds of stories, well, don't bet on it. A film with more to offer than you might expect, and worth checking out.

Also starring Wayne Lai, Lam Suet and Raymond Wong. (Review written: 6/2/03)

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Wonder Seven

An arms dealer selling arms to terrorists and a drug lord preying on the addicts of Hong Kong think they're going to have a free ride for their evil plans, but they haven't counted on a very formidable enemy: the special forces unit of the Hong Kong police known as the Wonder Seven! These are the cops who will go where the others won't and follow their foes wherever it takes, even across the border into China if need be. These dedicated bunch (who keep talking about plans to retire and open up a restaurant!!??) is up against Yueng, the previously-referred to drug lord, as the story gets under way. But before long, a ruthless drug kingpin crosses their path as well, and seems to be involved with Yueng somehow. And as if all of this isn't enough, there's Mimi and Fei, who are out to get Yueng for their own reasons which could, even if they succeed, ruin the Wonder Sevens's plan to shut down his operation. (And are the two of them friend or foe?) Surprisingly, star Michelle Yeoh plays Mimi rather than one of the Seven. But she does wonders (sorry) with her seemingly supporting character, making her an intriguing figure of mystery for much of the movie, and once she reveals her true character, turning her into a rousing action heroine in stunts and fight scenes that are all you could hope for from one of Hong Kong's top action heroines. The "family" feel of the Wonder Seven team is interesting... you get the feeling this is a group that really is devoted to each other as much as they are to defeating the bad guys. And totally aside from the sheer action scenes, the clever tricks they pull off are amazing... wait until you see how they walk into a guarded hospital to get a needed witness, and manage to walk out with him right under the watchful eyes of the hospital staff! Wonder Seven will keep action junkies very happy indeed.

Also starring Li Ning, Andy Hui, Kent Cheng and Vincent Lau. Directed by Ching Siu Tung.

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