Jiang Hu (2004)

Director: Wong Ching Po

Writer: To Chi-long

Producer: Eric Tsang Chi-Wai

Cast: Edison Chen, Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Shawn Yue, Eric Tsang, Chapman To, Lam Suet

Running Time: 99 mins

Plot: See Review below.

Availability: This title is available at HKflix.com

EQUINOX21'S REVIEW: Jiang Hu, Cantonese for "Style-over-substance-movie-with-a-bunch-of-famous-actors-sporting-the-worlds'-worst-hair-do's", is the latest Triad movie out of Hong Kong starring Andy Lau (Mr. Hung) and Jacky Cheung (Mr. Lefty [because he lost his right hand in a gang fight]).  When the movie starts out, Hung just found out that his wife had a baby, and so Lefty wants him to give up as boss of the Triad so that he can emigrate and keep his family safe.  Of course, Hung doesn't want to, because he thinks he can keep his family safe AND run a Triad all at the same time.  In the meantime, 3 of the other sub-bosses of Hung's gang are plotting to get rid of him… so he must get to them before they get to him.

While not a BAD movie, per se, and with an ending that really makes up for a lot of the flaws of the film itself, I can't say this is a classic.  It's a little too flashy and a lacking a little too much impact.  It just doesn't generate the attachment to the characters that a good Milkyway film can.  I'll admit that the style was really cool, in parts, and while the movie wasn't overly interesting or unique, it wasn't long enough to have time to bore me (being only 85 minutes long).  The soundtrack went really well with the style of the film, cool songs played during noir-ish filmed slow motion scenes. 

Unless you're a die hard Triad, Andy Lau or Jacky Cheung fan (or have a hard on for Edison Chen) don't bother with Jiang Hu.  It's cool, wraps up really nicely, is very stylish, but sports the worst hair styles in Hong Kong film history.  Not bad, but certainly not a classic.

EQUINOX21'S RATING: 7.5/10