Wo de te gong ye ye

Let me start this review with a translated quote used in the film: The old man is like Kung Fu Panda I have no clue if they truly said that originally. Despite, this quote does sum up the abilities of Sammo Hung's character Ding. Ding is a retired Central Security Bureau officer from Beijing who is in the early stages of dementia. He is a man full of regret and remorse but chooses to seclude himself rather than confront the issues that are plaguing him. One big strain on him is the fact that his granddaughter got missing while he was watching over her. But then at one point in time Cherry Li , a little girl from next door sneaks into his apartment to hide there after fighting with her father. Which is the start of an unique friendship.

One thing you will have to understand that this Sammo Hung vehicle isn't the typical martial arts film he used to make. Sammo has gotten old and apparently he wanted to address this. So most of the focus is on Ding being an old man. He receives some backup from old friends to make this statement. People like Yuen Baio, Dean Shek, Yuen Wah, and Tsui Hark to name but a few. These are nothing but glorified cameo's. But since I had not read anything about the film in advance I was pleasantly surprised to see them. For me it wasn't a disappointment like some reviewers have stated. More so because they had been given the impression to come into action as well. Now that would have been something I must admit so I do understand the criticism. Although it did not hurt what they were going for in the film. At it's core this film is about Ding coming to terms with old age, dementia and guilt. The action is just in service of this.

This explains the fact that there is not that much action. And while I also was expecting more I understand that somehow this would not be fitting regarding the theme. Or even would destroy the message that Sammo Hung wants to make clear to the audience. But don't despair the little action that is present is more than satisfying. Especially in the finale where Sammo goes Steven Seagal on the bad guys. Mainly using his arms and where he is using his opponents power against them. It makes sense to me that on old man would be limited in his move set so that was a nice touch.

Andy Lau also is involved in this film as an actor and producer. He plays the low life father of Cherry and basically is the reason why trouble starts in the first place. His role while significant is small and just right as he manages to evoke enough emotions. Another thing you have to understand is that this film doesn't go that deep into issues like dementia or bad parenting. Instead it tries to appeal to your emotions about these issues. And this is something that Sammo Hung does real well.

So for me this film was well worth the watch and while I was expecting a more action packed adventure I got something just as good in return. We all become old one day and then we can't do the things we used to do. You have to be prepared for that.

My Beloved Bodyguard (2016): Apart from martial arts and Kung Fu,China also has good drama and comedy films which are entertaining.My Beloved Bodyguard is action drama film directed and starred Sammo Hung in lead role.

Plot: A retired bodyguard Ding (Sammo Hung) who has settled into a corner of the world where China, Russia and North Korea meet as he suffers from early dementia finds a new friend in a young girl Cherry Li (Jacqueline Chan). When her life is threatened by her father's connection with a local crime lord, .the bodyguard must call upon his long forgotten skills to save her.

Plus Points: 1)Performances: This movie has brilliant performances by both the lead roles which stands out as major highlight of this movie.The relationship between Ding and Cherry is adorable and they both did their parts perfectly.

2)Good Moments: This movie has some good moments which are highly entertaining.We can thoroughly enjoy this movie without getting bored.

3)Music: BGM is very good and really helped this movie a lot.

Minus Points: 1)Plot similarities: This movie has huge resemblance to Korean gangster film The Man From Nowhere, but in a more family-centric, grandfatherly format.

So My Beloved Bodyguard is decent one time watch entertainer with brilliant performances.

My rating 6.5/10

Actually quite the forgettable character here. But it's an illness he has - which does not make him a good witness. To anything - much less a crime he saw. Having said all that, since it is Sammo Hung you can bet there is a lot of fighting going on - emphasized with some CGI (the impact of the things Hungs character is doing).

And while there are some fights throughout, the ending felt or reminded me a little bit of the movie Unforgiven ... the old man who has to deal with a lot of bad guys. Hung having dementia ... he does not use the tools we've seen in something like Memento - just in case you though that. Add to that a side story with Andy Lau ... also quite action packed when he has the chance and certainly one of the best stunt set pieces set in a staircase ... and you have quite the entertaining movie, that also is giving you a story to have fun with (though fun may be the wrong choice of word ... since it's more a drama)

How i decided my rating Sammo Hung - 0.8 Andy Lau - 0.5 Jacqueline Chan - 0.7 Qinqin Li - 0.5 Other cast - 0.5 Story - 0.4 Screensplay - 0.6 Action/Martial Arts - 0.7 Comedy - 0.3 Drama - 0.7 Ending - 0.7 Total - 6.4

If Po from Kung Fu Panda grew old with dementia and lived a lonely life then this is what it would be like. Sammo Hung is a master of kung fu trained in an elite security force living the golden years of his life regretting his biggest mistake.

Befriended by a neighbor whose father is a degenrate gambler unable to pay off his debts and a land lady who wishes to take care of him, Sammo Hungs' character lives his life in mediocrity until he is thrust back into a world of violence.

Heart felt scenes and bone cracking violence(Seriously!! a lot of broken bones!!) make this movie a wholesome entertainer. Sammo Hung does a good job; whereas the plot could have been a little more structured. The shaky camera action gets a bit old towards the end but I enjoyed watching Sammo kick some ass.

The movie was slow at times but is definitely worth watching when you relax and have some tea reminiscing the good old days of martial arts.

(2016) My Beloved Bodyguard (In Chinese with English subtitles) DRAMA ACTION

"The Bodyguard" as the movie is referring to is Sammo Hung Kam Bo, as he plays a retired Central Security Bureau, as he bonds with a young girl often neglected by her father, Li Zheng Jiu played by Andy Lau. He becomes her bodyguard as her father gets himself involved in both Chinese and Russian gangsters, regarding a debt and a stolen bag of jewels and money. Upon watching it on rental was able to cut through some of the sappy parts as opposed to watching it on theater. Tsui Hark director of "Time and Tide", Dean Shek of "A Better Tomorrow II" to Karl Maka of "Aces Go Places" series make small cameos.

It's nice to see some of known Hong Kong favorites still finding work, and although those were small parts, it is still nice to see them alive and still acting. As the Hong Kong industry is not what it used to be.