I continue to note that the world of cinema has been greatly
opened with the invention of the DVD. Movies that once only played in specialty
theaters if at all are now available far and wide for anyone to enjoy with
little effort in seeking them out. A quick order to amazon and within a few
days a movie is on your doorstep.
One of the most interesting countries to release films this
way has been China. While many think of films from this country as little more
than the poor quality kung fu movies we grew up with the current climate of
films from China is amazing to watch. Fantastic photography joined with solid
stories and high level amounts of action make these films ones to seek.
PARADOX falls into this category. Police detective Lee
Chung-Chi (Louis Koo) heads to Thailand when his daughter goes missing. The two
had a falling out over her unexpected pregnancy and intention to marry while
underage. He arrives and finds help in the person of police Chinese detective
Chui Kit (Yue Wu) and his Thai partner Tak (Tony Jaa).
Running alongside this story is that of the local mayor, a
highly powerful politician, who suffers from a heart attack. His only chance
for survival is a new heart and his organization is willing to do anything they
can to insure that he gets one. This may make it obvious (at least it did to
me) where the story is going but the unspooling of it is what makes the film
work.
Following clues Lee goes off on a suspect and is told to
stay out of police business. Instead he goes rogue and tracks down a lead on
who abducted his daughter, a corrupt officer in the police force. He captures
him just as Chui also gets a lead on the same suspect.
Both men then discover that the main person responsible not
only for this abduction but several others is a man named Sacha. As they both
get closer to their man an inevitable confrontation is soon to follow. Along
the way there are plenty of high speed car chases, hand to hand battles and
guns blazing before the outcome is revealed.
The movie offers all of those things I mentioned as being
part and parcel with the new cinema coming from China. The acting loses little
in translation here with all involved providing great performances. The
direction is superb with a story that flows smoothly even when jumping back and
forth in time and location. And the cinematography is astounding with the
sharpest of images on view and well-chosen camera angles to capture the action
taking place.
Of particular note is the fact that the fight choreography
was done by Sammo Hung. Hung has been involved in Chinese films for years first
making a name for himself alongside his friend Jackie Chan before starring the
CBS series MARTIAL LAW back in 1998. The job he does here makes the actors flow
smoothly during the fight sequences.
I can’t suggest strongly enough that people should open
themselves up to new experiences in movie viewing and at least make an attempt
to watch a few foreign films at times. This is a good place to start and my
guess is after watching you’ll seek out more. Well Go has done an amazing job
of providing plenty of films to view that are quality products each time. This
one is no exception.
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