Full Contact

I just can't say enough about Full Contact...the film is your typical Hong Kong revenge play, set against a backdrop of low-rent gangsters and seedy relationships. But it's the little things that really set this film apart: Ringo Lam is one of the few HK directors who has a decent grasp on how to use music in his films, not being as obsessed with Canto-pop inanities as his contemporaries; the body count is much lower than the typical bullets-n-bloodshed HK gangster film, thus giving each action scene an edge above other movies that end up reducing the impact of each death by trivializing them; Simon Yam's "viper queen" is a truly...different...kind of villain, one who makes you laugh while you're hoping he dies; the bit characters are better realized...I could go on and on.

In short, Full Contact is a real shock to the action fan's system: it has a visceral quality that so many action movies try for and miss. Ringo Lam's work is not for everybody, but if you're looking for the true edge of HK cinema (keep in mind that movie-goers in Honk Kong didn't like this film, as it was considered TOO dark and nasty by an audience used to this sort of thing, and not a soft, Western audience), here it is. Full Contact is the perfect English title for this brutal trip.

Action films are a dime a dozen. Many really suck. A few stand out. Of all the action fims I've ever seen in my life, this one held me as much as any not directed by John Woo. The gun battle toward the end of the film is exhilarating. Any action fan that thinks "Matrix-style" slow motion bullets are the end-all, be-all of effects should check "bulletride" effect at the end of this film. And to its amazing credit, this film was made without the help of Hollywood digital effects. I haven't even mentioned CHOW YUN-FAT. He is AWESOME in this film. The man is as bad-ass as Mel Gibson any day. "Full Contact" is based on the same book as "PayBack." Let me tell you this film runs ring around payback in areas of acting, directing, violence and coolness. There is no substitute for Chow Yun-Fat. If you're dying for a style filled actioner and have exhausted your John Woo collection, then check out "Full Contact."

Long ago I heard about an "ultimate Hong Kong action film" called "Full Contact". It starred Chow Yun Fat and was directed by Ringo Lam ("Maximum Risk") who is not as well known over here as other Hong Kong directors but with a good action script could be up there with John Woo and Tsui Hark. So while visiting a new video story in my area, low and behold there was a copy of it sitting there on the shelf calling to me. After watching it the first aspect of the film that struck me were the outrageous villains. There were three of them, a homosexual magician who could make guns appear out of nowhere, an over-the-top rock star looking guy that reminded me of a pro-wrestler, and a nymphomaniac female companion that........well let's just say she had problems keeping her clothes on. Chow Yun Fat plays a role fit for Stallone. It's got that '80s style "Cobra" look to it. He's kind of like an outlaw or desperado type, who must avenge his near death by the hands of the deadly trio. If you are a fan of any '80s action movie, then you'll love this. Keep your eyes open for the shootout at the end in the bar, with the bullet P.O.V. shots. Great stuff. **1/2 stars.

Hong Kong action movies do not get any more stylish that this hard-hitting action flick from veteran film director Ringo Lam (MAXIMUM RISK, CITY OF FIRE). In this amazingly proficient import from the East, Chow Yun-Fat gives one of his best performances ever since his portrayal as Jeffrey, in John Woo's THE KILLER (1989).

In FULL CONTACT, Chow is Jeff, a merciless assassin who is involved in a double crossing deal, where he falls under the prey and manipulation of a deranged drug lord, Judge (Simon Yam, in an over the edge performance). Judge has a lust for both drugs and money. Jeff must protect his girlfriend, Mona (Ann Bridgewater), and his other friend, Sam, (Anthony Wong, who appeared in HARD BOILED, THE UNTOLD STORY, THE HEROIC TRIO) from the evil clutches of the ruthless Judge.

It was suppose to be perfect. The weapons heist was set up with precision and deadly accuracy. However, a fatal move has suddenly occurred, thus ruining the entire operation. Jeff is immediately betrayed by his once ally Judge, and in the process, Jeff's friend is systematically eliminated. As the action continues in full throttle, Jeff is shot and left for dead inside a burning house. However, Jeff is resilient...he does not die that easily...

FULL CONTACT (a.k.a. XIA DAO GAO FEI) is one of the finest action films ever to embrace audiences of any and all interests. It tells a compelling story of friendship turning into betrayal, and reprisal growing into a motivation for justice. Director Ringo Lam has done a fine job with one of his best masterpieces, and it is enhanced by better than average performances, particularly from Chow and Wong. Chow has fun as a vigorous hero who turns the tables just when everyone he knew has practically became his nemesis. Anthony Wong has a sympathetic supporting role as an old friend who may very well switch allegiances with a foul enemy. The villains are conniving and appropriately nasty. Simon Yam is excellent as an essentially slimy villain. His cunning attitude, his sick-minded, perverse personality, and tasteless vulgarity make him a repugnant yet compelling bad guy. Bonnie Fu has a debonair appeal. Her beauty is potent enough to ignite an endless array of fireworks. The strong performances establish substantiation in designing the main characters.

The action in FULL CONTACT is of course, at its breathtaking pace with absolute quality, and the film offers a surreal environment that is often rare in "pro forma" American made action movies. There are plenty of chances to cheer on for the good guy but the film has carefully mounted tension which will grip your interests. The "bullet cam" itself has to be seen to be believed.

FULL CONTACT is a rare movie, and I was lucky to stumble across a copy of this film at a local store in New York City's Chinatown. Audiences may have a hard time trying to decipher the incomprehensible English subtitles, but do not bother straining your eyes. The action itself makes this movie worth seeing. FULL CONTACT is one fashionably violent movie in the tradition of film noir.

Ringo Lam is a virtuoso at filmmaking who exhibits exceptional direction, slam bang camerawork, and majestic editing. He also has a proud technique of drawing audiences into the story. This movie continues to keep people amazed due to its technical competence and its poignant elegance. FULL CONTACT serves as a treat for action fans of all varieties, with a tale of romance, seduction, and retribution all weaving into one cinematic accomplishment.

RATING: *** out of ****.

A truly incredible film. Chow Yun-Fat has to be one of the greatest action stars ever. And Ringo Lam's camera work was top notch. The action sequences were second to none. I highly recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of action.