Gau yat san diu haap lui

I love Anita Mui. That 1963 born beauty began her career as a singer and soon started to act, too. She has the most beautiful eyes and face I've ever seen. If a movie she stars in is pretty mediocre, I will still want to check it out because of Anita. Savior of the Soul is directed by Corey Yuen and David Lai, both are professional directors and have many films on their filmography. Savior of the Soul starts very promisingly with one of the most incredible action scenes I'd ever seen. The start is fantastic, but soon the film turns into usual comedy, but still doesn't forget those effects laden action parts, which along Anita save this film from total failure. The story is very confusing even at Hong Kong standards, so it is no use in trying to describe it. It involves one mean demon named Silver Fox who is trying to kill Anita's character for vengeance and so on. There are many characters and many turns, but that is usually the case in Hong Kong films.

The action scenes are incredible and fantastic, as wires are used and camera flows and twists all the time with the flying and fighting characters. If you have seen films like Ching Siu Tung's Heroic Trio (also starring Anita!), you know what to expect from this, as the action scenes are equally great, even though not as plenty as in Heroic Trio. The drama parts in Savior of the Soul are often stupid, and the film tries to be too funny, and fails like Ching Siu Tung's other film, Terra Cotta Warrior, which has great beginning and ending, but stupid and "funny" middle part. Savior of the Soul could have been greater if they had left out those slapstick parts and concentrated more on serious fantasy film making.

Savior of the Soul is still very nice film for fans of Hong Kong cinema, and has also many positive things. Never have I seen such a great visuality and cinematic magic anywhere else, than in these Orient movies. Their cinema is so unique, it is even too much for many, and I know many movie fans, that don't like Hong Kong films at all. I think it is mostly because of the lack of imagination and tolerance for something never before seen. Action, horror and fantasy are the genres Orient is almost unbeatable in. There are many great Orient film makers, and internationally known Tsui Hark, John Woo and Ringo Lam are only few, and many great talents are almost unknown for many western viewers.

Savior of the Soul is another wonderfully shot and edited fantasy adventure film, but there are too many stupid moments and also little slow moments to fully appreciate the film. Still, as the cinematography and other magic elements are so perfect, I gladly give this 7/10 rating!

Even when it is obvious that this is a low budget production. You still will be amazed by the beautiful cinematography and artwork. It is like a live action manga. Some special effects are a little cheesy. But they are used in such a way that you won't mind. The action scenes are fast paced and very energetic. There is not much of a story. The main part is about Ching's love for Yiu May-kwan (Anita Mui). There is lot of humor used in this movie. Sometimes it is a bit over the top but in combination with the serious love theme there is a fine balance which overall is very enjoyable. This movie is a showcase what the hong kong cinema is about. The lack of budget never is a problem for hong kong movie makers to be creative and come with a good product. When it comes to action Hong Kong cinema is the best. Saviour of the Soul is proof of that.

Ugh. It's quite rare that the English title of a Hong Kong movie is better than the original Chinese one but I'm sure they gave this movie its Chinese name (which translates to '91 Condor Heroes) solely to capitalize on lead actor Andy Lau's popularity from his role as Yang Guo in the classic TVB series, Return of the Condor Heroes. Any connection between this movie and that series is loose at best and I didn't really pick up on it, especially since the plot of this movie is all kinds of ridiculous. Apparently Wong Kar Wai co-wrote this. No wonder it barely makes sense to me, ha.

The direction of this movie was bad as well - scenes could go from comedy to action to melodrama in the course of a minute without any regard for flow, though the fighting sequences, choreographed by luminary Corey Yuen, were good whenever there wasn't an over-reliance on special effects.

The dearly departed Anita Mui is classy in every role she plays. Yes, even in her dual role of the twin sister who gets shot in the butt.

As for Andy Lau and Aaron Kwok, well, there's a good reason why they only won their respective first acting awards 9 and 14 years after this movie.

I just saw "Dance Of A Dream", which also starred Andy Lau and Anita Mui and I liked their chemistry, even though the film has nothing in common with this one. This one is a sci-fi fantasy with superheroes. Ms. Mui plays May and, of course, looks wonderful. She also plays her sister, who keeps getting herself shot, blown up (its comic relief, she doesn't die). Aaron Kwok plays The Silver Fox, who wants to kill May because May blinded his mentor. Mr. Lau, as Ching, tries to protect her. There are pretty good action sequences in this film, decent fight scenes. Nothing terribly original or revelatory, but you can do a lot worse. Its a great Saturday afternoon movie, play it on a big screen TV and enjoy. The acting is fine, especially the always mesmerizing Anita Mui. If you're a fan of this genre, watch it, its fun.

Saviour of the soul is a mix of martial arts, shootouts and fantasy. It is obvious that it is a comic adaptation. The story isn't always clear,but it succeeds very well in keeping your attention, although sometimes i wanted to last the action sequences a little longer. There is a lot of humour in it and still succeeds in being serious when it has to. There are some special effects in it that will amaze you (without the use of digital effects which we are used to nowadays). I always enjoy the action sequences Hong Kong movie makers come up with. They really are the best when it comes to action. Saviour of the Soul is certainly a classic when it comes to the wonderful combination of action and special effects. Go see it!