Tuesday

Another day, another great film. Last night it was the turn of Exiled, by Hong Kong's director Johnnie To. The London Paper says he is a source of fanboy love, which may give you a hint to the type of movie this is. It's basically a John Woo gangster film, but for our generation. The characters aren't quite so sentimental, and the fight scenes are a lot better. Perhaps you'll say, as The London Paper does, that it's thus not original, and not worth seeing. But I enjoyed it immensely. The plot is predictable, up to a point, but I think this is what's enjoyable about these films - you are satisfied by them, rather than surprised. It did lose direction two-thirds through, but gained it all again for a great finish. The fight scenes really were spectacular - especially through the hospital and down the staircase. It's worth the money just to see them, but there are jokes, and some really great moments in-between. Otherwise, the dialogue is pretty sparse, which is a good thing. And I don't think I'm alone in appreciating this movie. One of To's earlier films (which I hope to see on Thursday) is currently showing at the ICA.