As a once upon a time actor, I relish artists who dare. CYF does
this many times in his career but never so fully realized as in
"An Autumn's Tale. You don't see his gorgeous, drop dead looks, or
that knowing little, flirty smile. He becomes a totally different
persona. I teach my drama students four basics needed for a good
performance. You must have all four to bring off good acting. They
are Commitment, Concentration, Characterization and Listening. CYF
does all four without letting you know how difficult the process is
to attain. The film, to quote Miss Leigh, is indeed a jewel.
Again the chemistry between CYF and Danny Lee. I am
always amazed at CYF's ability to bring actors who are good to a new
level. Danny Lee can really be exceptional when pushed. It's working
with true talent that brings out the very best in actors.
I'm guessing
but I think Lee realizes how brilliant CYF is and being more than a
little competitive, he's determined to hold his own. And by gosh he
makes it! So much has been written about CYF's sensitivity but Lee digs
deep into his gut to show emotions he never ordinarily shares with an
audience. Perhaps that's John Woo but I think it's a two way street.
If the feelings aren't there no director can claim them. You must have a
point of reference and Lee has scars that may be painful to recall, but
he goes for it, anyway. Just take a look at the tears streaming down his
face. That's not typical Danny Lee. The two talk to each other and they
LISTEN to each other, that ain't easy take after take. I like to think
they admire each other's talents and have a respect for one another that
shows in the films they make together. Perhaps it's the knowledge that
they are survivors in a tough industry and tough world. Come to think
of it, that's really what their films are about, yes?
Granted this is not Shakespeare or is it? Take a
look, you've got everything that appealed to old Wil. Heroics,
self-delusion, betrayals, lust, sacrifice in almost biblical
proportions. Plus, and very importantly to William S., it sells!
Audiences love this stuff. Now, personally I like the two guys. The
fact that you have two of the most beautiful men in film, working
together is too deligtful to assimilate. I sometimes wonder at the ego
that brought these two together. Imagine the planning sessions..."hey,
let's get Tang and Chow, two of the most notoriously gorgeous and
heterosexual men in films and lets throw in a little tintilation about
their relationship. What a concept!" I just love the fact that they did
it. Now granted they skirt (no pun intended) around the homosexual
winky-winky. But it's there, yes indeedy. I think they should have had
the cojones (again no pun intended...well, maybe just a little one) to
go for it. That might have made film history. Still, they can't be
blamed for some restraint. I find it amusing that "Flaming Brothers"
was filmed in '87 and "Eighth Happiness" was filmed in '88. Only a
coincidence?
| 1. | Replacement Killers (it was my first CYF film and I loved him in it) |
| 2. | Flaming Brothers (two for the price of one - CYF and Alan Tang) |
| 3. | God of the Gamblers (CYF in his greatest fantasy role) |
| 4. | A Better Tomorrow (CYF and Woo discover fame and fortune together and make us want more) | 5a. | The Last Affair (CYF in an art film looking like something Michelangelo sculpted) |
| 5b. | The Killer ( More Woo and CYF) |
| 5c. | Love In A Fallen City (WOW!) |
| 5d. | Once a Thief |
Agony: This is very hard. I haven't included any of his comedies as I like
to see him acting serious more than funny. Maybe you should make different
lists according to what people like: Action, comedy, drama, Fantasy. The
trouble is CYF is good at everything. OK, the top five I listed are my
selection based on the fact I would go into a burning house to retrieve them
if they were the last copy on earth. :-)
A Better Tomorrow is notable for the garage
scene only and if I want to see that again, I'll replay it in my mind.
And he's glowing in The Killer but it's an otherwise awful
movie with what I thought was a ridiculous ending embodying all that
is wrong with John Woo's film-making and I know darned well I'll
never watch that one again, so I guess that sure wouldn't make
it my favorite.
I also believe that my own intent to have a variety of genre, covering about
a decade, worked well, and therefore my list is geared to that same purpose,
incorporating action, epic, drama, comedy, and what I affectionately call
"the fairy tales" (Dream Lovers and Treasure Hunt).
I am assuming the person will have already seen Anna and The King, but I recommend buying
the DVD because it's a movie worth owning and because the "extras" are worth
it too. If the person wants one of the other American films, I recommend
buying The Corruptor (which has some dialogue that I actually like even though it's something of a heartless film -- anyway,
it makes for an interesting contrast with An Autumn's Tale). Then, one can just use your
screen saver which has the best moment of The Replacement Killers already there!
| Melodrama: | An Autumn's Tale |
| Drama: | Hong Kong 1941 |
| Action: | The Killer |
| Tragedy: | All About Ah Long |
| Fantasy: | Dream Lovers |
| Noir: | Wild Search |
| Comedy: | Diary of A Big Man |
| Other: | God of Gamblers |
| Honorable Mention: | Anna and The King |
| Melodrama: | An Autumn's Tale |
| Drama: | Love In A Fallen City |
| Action: | The Killer |
| Tragedy: | City On Fire |
| Fantasy: | Treasure Hunt |
| Noir: | Wild Search |
| Comedy: | Now You See Love, Now You Don't |
| Other: | God of Gamblers |
| Honorable Mention: | The Bund (full TV version, not the edited films) |
God of Gamblers
