dib001

Although the central themes of the Barefoot Kid are hardly original by kung-fu cinema standards - doomed love, coming of age and redemption - they are delicately and effectively handled to produce a result which is by turns charming, exciting and funny. Similarly, although the structure of the action sequences is rarely ground-breaking, superb choreography, clever camera work and a standout performance from Aaron Kwok elevate them well above the ordinary.

To a veteran of Kung Fu films, The Barefoot Kid would appear rather pedestrian and certainly nothing exceptional, but for a beginner, its simple but strong themes, crisp cinematography and whipcrack action performances make it a uniquely accessible and hugely enjoyable ride.

Highly Recommended!

I really suspect that I didn't properly understand this film. I'm a fan of gangster movies, and ironically Casino is one of my favourite films, but I really thought this was trash.

It has one simple problem: the main characters, with the possible exception of De Niro's, just aren't intimidating. Joe Pesci's in particular is a squeaky-voiced midget, and all are hopelessly incompetent morons. Are we really supposed to believe that these idiots, alternately irritating and clueless, work their way up through ranks of brutal, remorseless killers and thieves? Pah.

I give the actors credit for trying hard, but they're wrestling with two-dimensional scenarios and a one-dimensional script throughout. In one memorable scene, three foot tall, mickey-mouse voiced "unpedictable maniac" Tommy De Vito (Pesci) rants, "But, I'm funny how? Funny like a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh? I'm here to fuckin' amuse you?". Luckily, Henry Hill, the pimply faced runty butt of his joke is the sort of "hardened gangster" who throws up at the sight of a dead body, and so Tommy doesn't get the punch in the face he so richly deserves. Ooooh what gritty realism.

Garbage. Nothing out of ten.