Le Sens du devoir II

So here it is -- Yes, Madam -- Michelle Yeoh's first starring role, back in 1985. I'd been wanting to see this one for a few years. I was a bit worried because the DVD appeared to be a bootleg once it arrived, but it worked fine, so I won't complain. But wow, Yeoh was so amazing in the film. She had won the title of Miss Malaysia just a couple years earlier, for damn good reason, but she took her start in the action genre seriously and trained hard for a few months before shooting began. Sammo Hung himself was the producer (and has a cameo, along with half the industry), and he was looking for two female leads, to make something different from the typical male buddy-cop films. For a co-star they got Cynthia Rothrock, who was making her start in the genre as well. Though she was the real deal as far as martial arts skill. I was interested in the film more for Yeoh but Rothrock certainly held her own. Well, with the action, not the acting, ha ha.

Now then, the average American audience might not think much of the movie. It's full of the kind of very odd and stupid HK humor that I've gotten used to. But Yeoh shines in every moment she's on screen, and the action scenes are incredible. In particular the final fights near the end of the film had me as excited as being at a Bulls game. I couldn't believe some of the stuff they were pulling off. My heart goes out to those stunt men!! The actual final minute of the film caught me off guard, though it was realistic. But damn... that ten minutes or so of fighting was among the best I've ever seen.

In this '80s Hong Kong action film, Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock team up to find a microfilm containing group of villains' illegal activities after a British diplomat has been killed. Unfortunately three thieves have the microfilm and the police need to find it in order to have evidence to make an arrest.

Although the film stars Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock as kick-ass ladies working as police officers, the story seems to focus more on the three thieves who have the microfilm, which bothered me in a way. The main reason is because I was looking forward to see the chemistry between Yeoh and Rothrock. But instead they are presented as if they are secondary characters. And not only that all of the characters here are one dimensional, which leaves the audience asking themselves questions such as why would Rothrock's character beat up a suspect for answers or why one of the villains is wearing a U.S military- like uniform.

Regardless of the film's plot there are some great action sequences, especially the fight in the finale. The stunts shown will make you say out loud "that's gotta hurt!" Remember, we're talking about no CGI, green screen, or wire work!!!!!!

Overall I think the film could've been better if the filmmakers worked on character development, a better ending, and focused more on our two female leads' chemistry!!

Underrated movie 100%. Great fight scenes and display of martial arts. Cynthia kicks major ass in this one. I wish all of her movies were this good. I wanted more by the time it was over.

This to me is the best movie Cynthia Rothrock ever made, and one of the best movie from Michelle Yeoh's early career. The final action scene involving the two guarantees it.

This was one of very early D&B movie studio's production. D&B movies brought more modern style to Hong Kong movies, and it's clear from this movie that it's years ahead compared other action movies of the time in terms of content, the fashion the actors are wearing, the modern looking background, the speed the scene moves, and the three dimensional shooting.

Hong Kong movies in few short years following this movie makes a stellar leap in terms of quality, but you can already see most of the elements in this movie.

Cynthia Rothrock plays inspector Carrie Morris from Scotland Yard, and Michelle Yeoh plays inspector Ng of Hong Kong police department. They're after a microfilm that was stolen by two small time crooks. The microfilm contains the names of the ones who are involved in criminal activity. The real bad guy who's got most to lose from the microfilm is Mr. Tin and is willing to go any extent to get the microfilm. Eventually, the small time crook, Yeoh, and Rothrock ends up in Tin's house, and massive fight ensues.

The number of casts appearing in this movie is amazing, and this helps to weave many threads in this story. The story has comedic touch, serious touch, and lot of action depending on who's playing the part of the story. It's definitely not one dimensional, and is entertaining to watch. The production is classy, and has high quality looks to it.

This movie started the "Huang Ka" (Royal) movie craze in Hong Kong, and many movies crowning these two characters were made. The movie has confusing number of titles like "Super Cops", "In the line of Duty", "Yes Madam", "Ultra Force", which actually makes finding this movie difficult.

The final fight scenes appears in many specials that chronicles Hong Kong martial arts movies to this day. The amazing physical ability of Michelle Yeoh, and Cynthia Rothrock launched them into superstar status.

This is one of the best martial arts themed movie to come out of Hong Kong, and is highly recommended for viewing whether you're a martial arts movie fan or not.

Hong Kong Cinema has to be the best to happen to action film history. Well, I'll say Asian Cinema has had a tremendous impact period. Hollywood just can't stop duplicating their style (Matrix for example). Hong Kong action films in the 80's should be given a lot of praise because of what has been accomplished. I'm very happy to say that I'm a martial arts FANATIC!!!

Yes Madam! (A.K.A. Police Assassins) kicked A**!!! I loved the way Michelle and Cynthia connected with each other. I have a lot of respect for those 2 ladies along with Cynthia Khan (another female heroine). The last fight says enough, it doesn't need to be explained. When I saw this movie for the first time, I rewinded that same scene at least 12 times to get that rush again. This is the type of action that action films are missing today. There are too many digital effects and wire work in today's line of work. I wish Hong Kong action films would repeat this formula again along with other movies.

About the content of the movie: Well, the movie is kind of on and off with action scenes. At times, I think the movie didn't know whether to be serious or be comedic. The scene with Sammo Hung, David Chiang, and Richard Ng should've been omitted. I liked the fact that Tsui Hark was in this movie. This is the only movie where I've seen him acting. He did a good job though. He interaction between aspirin and strepsil was funny enough. The first 5 minutes of the movie was off da hook!! Michelle shows off her bad a** cop skills. Cynthia shows off some moves at the airport. And then..... THE FINAL SCENE!!!! To tell the truth, I bought the movie because of the final scene. Those 2 ladies were so graceful with the fight scenes at the end. I enjoyed every punch and kick.

Its amazing how Michelle's dancing skills helped so much with her martial arts training. IMPRESSIVE!!!

My Overall Judegement: 3.5/4 stars