The Condemned - David Chiang's finest!

[Guest teako170]

David Chiang "the director" that is.

I don't know where to begin but I thought this film was outstanding.

Compelling drama with plenty of kung action.

I have to applaud DC's efforts as director for two main reasons:

(1) He didn't make his character the kung fu artist superstar. He played a bumbling but lovable pickpocket with no martial skills.

(2) Its a stylishly directed production that is crafted with an effective mix of camera angles, lighting (notably the prison cell sequences), and solid pacing.

The final brawl between Ku Feng and Choi Wang was no-holds barred action at its best.

At first I thought Lily Li's performance was going to be a waste -- but was I wrong.

(I'll leave it at that - no spoilers).

The ending? Very Steve McQueenesque (think "The Great Escape").

I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend.

[Guest Yakuza954]

David Chiang is actually a pretty good director. You should check out "Legend of the Owl" as well. Best kung fu movie parody I've seen.

[Guest vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

Nice teako, informative little review. I'll be pickin this one up soon.

[Guest teako170]

I tried uploading the trailer to YouTube but 33MB + dial-up is not a great combo. I'll give it a go on Tuesday when I get back to work (and hi-speed net).

[Guest monk sante]

I agree, this is a good flick. Although Chiang directed this film, he takes a back seat in the action department to the films star Tsai Hung. Lily Li is also in this one.8)