The Duel [DVD] [2000]

So i ask the question again. What has happened to HK cinema?

What once used to give us the likes of The Killer, Hard Boiled, Young And Dangerous, and the original A Better Tomorrow has turned into a farce of expensive effects and even more expensive actors.

This film is just another remake of The Stormriders. It even features the same actors. Where is the originality? Where is the script!? Where has it all gone?

If you are the sort of person who enjoys watching a two hour film of flashing lights and long boring unnecessary conversations then this is the film for you. Otherwise i suggest that you leave this well alone. Dont let the the glossy cover and impressive line-up fool you. And if you have already seen The Stormriders then that is even more reason to leave it on the shelf.

The story is non-existent so i wont even attempt to tell you about it, the special effects are impressive and almost on a par with those from Hollywood but they have already taught us that FX do not a storyline make!! A lesson that HK obviously did not attend. This is pure drivel and all i can think was that they were jumping on the bandwagon of their former success.

It stars Ekin Cheng, which is no surprise as he is in just about every high budget movie coming out of there at the moment, but even that does not save this picture. Where was the direction? It seems that they were just reading from the page. There is no enthusiasm, no enjoyment in what they are doing, and no commitment to making it enjoyable to watch.

Turn your back on HK if this all they can accomplish and face eastward towards Japan where the real movies are being made. At least in that country they have originality, great actors, fantastic ideas, and a commitment to see them through.

Its a shame that Ekin Cheng was in this movie as i feel it did nothing for his career, although maybe his wallet was greatful, but i still rank him as one of the finest in the east.

Andrew Lau, Director of 'A Man Called Hero' and 'The Stormriders',creates a fine world set in the Imperial Palace of China where two supreme Swordsmen-Andy Lau and Ekin Cheng- have agreed to duel against each other in the areana of the palace. Intregue and deception however follow after the announcment of the duel and some greater plot seems behind the duel, however no one is sure whom is the master mind villian is and both Andy'Moon Warriors' Lau and Ekin 'A Man Called Hero' Cheng are both suspects.

Ekin Cheng and Andy Lau perform well in this massive hit of special effects and martial arts, the finialy fight scene is truely something to be hold and is completely unique of both Stormriders and of A Man Called Hero. As usual Lau Directs good drama and gives the camera work a fluidic and captivating sight, The Duel also boasts a sense of humour and comedy which probably came from Producer Wong Jing(Who is well known for Directing Jackie Chan's City Hunter)Another notable performance of 'The Duel' would also be Patrick Tam who plays the young Chinese Emperor, Tam played the Triad villian in Gordan Chan's gritty drama 'Beast Cops'.

In all 'The Duel' is a fine film that is brewed with comedy; drama; and is climaxed by a grand finiale that is simply spell-binding and full of wonder. To fans of Andrew Lau's other films I would highly recommend it.

Compared to the usual martial arts sword-fest this is pretty good. Where it falls down is the speed of the story. Its abit too slow for my liking. The fight scenes are well done if a little boring. Of all the films in my collection this one is the least watched. Its not a waste of money by a long shot but don't believe the hype.