Saviour of the Soul (1991)

Pretty Good

Captivating movie !

Awesome Movie

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

This is an action sci-fi adventure from Hong Kong, starring Aarok Kwok as the graying black-clad swordsman Silver Fox, out to wreck havoc on mercenaries Ching (Andy Lau), Kwan (Anita Mui) and Chuen (Kenny Bee). He kills Chuen (Kenny Bee), but is wounded by Kwan (Anita Mui). Kwan is later poisoned by a spell, which only the powerful Madam Pet (Carina Lau) has the antidote. While Ching hopes to obtain the antidote from her, Silver Fox is out to defeat them all.Filled with wild, sword-wielding action, sci-fi elements, drama and some wacky comic relief, this film is definitely a medieval fantasy with reality-suspended moments. Aaron Kwok plays quite the formidable villain, somebody you would love to hate. Andy Lau was OK as the protagonist, but Anita Mui is the main highlight of the film. Quite the fast-paced movie, but there's a little too much genre elements all slapped into one story.Grade B-

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.

This film demonstrates to young and novice film makers what can be done if you have real talent. The composition of every shot in every scene is what many film makers can only wish to achieve.The story apart as this is a corny movie, this film will show you perfect camera angles, superior editing and how to use light, shadow and colour like a master. Please bear in mind that this was all achieved using basic film techniques and no digital effects.You will see great washes of colour and lighting to which the actors are set against and into, the use of water and lighting is seen to produce a magnificent feel and add great drama and movement to scenes.Andy Lau, seems to have located or created locations that reflect the scene being shot by the colours and lighting used and plays on this by not being restricted to primary colours.Too me, this film seems like a test bed for superior camera work and set design and succeeds to that end.Also to note is the direction of the actors. Their movements are measured and seem to strive for perfection. It seems like the most minute actions were included to endorse the objectives of the characters, so that even the most impossible actions can be seen as plausible in the world this film is set in.Listen for the "your the one that I want" line sung in engrish in the scene before the toilet fight. Travolta eat your heart out.

The first time I saw this film I was totally stunned. The pace never slows down for one second. Action sequences of never before seen standard comes one after another. It is truly fantasy. I think this is necessary if you are going to make a "manga in motion" picture, which is exactly what this film is. The directors have created an post-holocaust-like kind of world and the characters fit in like the hand in the glove. If you like Hong Kong movies because of the rapid pace, incredible fight scenes, and, the often included, comic dialogue; you will love this one. Saviour of the soul contains all of these, and a lot of it. This film is a classic in its genre.