The 1989 action-comedy film "Shi jie da shai," directed by Hoi Mang, is a fast-paced, entertaining ride through Hong Kong's underworld.
The story follows Cynthia Rothrock as Cindy, an American FBI agent who goes undercover as a journalist to take down a criminal newspaper editor, Ronny Dak, played by Ronny Yu. With a runtime of 90 minutes, the film delivers a good balance of martial arts, humor, and intrigue.
The action is the film's strong suit. The fight choreography is impressive and features a variety of martial arts styles, including kung-fu and taekwondo. The film earns its "Born to Fight" moniker, with well-shot and edited action sequences that showcase the skills of the cast, particularly the leading ladies. Rothrock, a world champion martial artist, is a force to be reckoned with on screen, and Lee holds her own as well. The film also has some creative and humorous uses of everyday objects as weapons, adding a layer of inventiveness to the fights.
The standout scene involves a thrilling fight sequence, showcasing Rothrock's acrobatic and high-kicking skills as she battles a series of opponents, including some of the era's most notable "bad guy" actors. The choreography, a collaboration between Mang Hoi and Corey Yuen, fuses graceful, acrobatic moves with hard-hitting style.
While the film excels in action and has a talented cast, the plot is not its strongest point. The narrative takes a back seat to the fight scenes, and the humor, though subjectively entertaining, may fall flat for some viewers, especially with the challenges of translation from Hong Kong comedy to other audiences.
Overall, "Shi jie da shai" is an enjoyable martial arts film that showcases Cynthia Rothrock's skills and solidifies her status as one of the top action stars of her era. It's a must-watch for fans of 80s Hong Kong cinema and martial arts enthusiasts. So, if you're in the mood for some over-the-top kung-fu chaos with a side of slapstick, give Shi Jie Da Shai a go. Just don't expect a comedic masterpiece-the laughs are few and far between, but the action might just knock your socks off.
