smashedblocked

Really awful performances of a really awful script. The attempts at levity are so uncomfortably acted. An absolute train wreck of heavy accents delivering atrocious dialogue - might have been helped if the International cast spoke their native tongues. Even the action sequences (Woo's forte) are lackluster. Several of them are so disjointed/clumsy they almost seem to be slow-motion. Ridiculously manic jazz/classical-inflected score that sounds like a made-for-TV movie, plus one of the worst cabaret performances you'll ever hear. I have no idea why John Woo would do this, unless it was to help out his daughter (who produced/appears in the film). Such a bummer.

Made is the mid-1960s, set in the 1920s, with some highly melodramatic acting/narration/score that would seem more at home in an era somewhere in between. All the lurid, interesting or comedic bits could be distilled into a 10 minute clip cut. While there are certainly some tempting 'maidens' the likes of which you'd never see in a contemporary erotic film (hard, soft or premium cable), and some high-quality black & white cinematography that often seems more contemporary than 1966, the lack of any coherent plot or even theme uniting the vignettes makes for one VERY long hour. Overall, MUCH less fun than contemporary Russ Meyer's productions.

Fantastic historical drama. Fascinating characters, beautiful settings, visceral action sequences - terrible abrupt ending. Like screeching tires abrupt. I kept thinking maybe there was another episode or two... maybe a second half of the season coming later? Nope. Seems like that was it. I know it was adapted from a much longer novel, but the amount of unresolved plot was distressing. If this is all there is, with no further seasons/episodes, I will leave with a horrible taste in my mouth.