Hawaii International Film Festival Report - Part 1

The 27th annual Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) opened this past Thursday and is currently in full swing. Over 200 films from 40 countries will be shown during the course of the two week long festival. The opening night film was Hou Hsiao-Hsien's re-imaging of Albert Lammorise's "Le Ballon Rouge" entitled "The Red Balloon" (Le Voyage Du Ballon Rouge).

Receiving the "Achievement in Acting" award at this year's festival is Joan Chen whose work includes "The Last Emperor", "Saving Face", "Twin Peaks", "Sunflower" and the most recent "Lust, Caution".

As always, the crowds have been enthusiastic and attendance is high with long wait times and even longer lines. HIFF membership packages are a bit pricey this year with packages ranging from $25 - $1500. General admission ticket prices are also pretty high at around $10 per ticket.

Here are a couple of mini reviews for a couple of films I was able to catch this weekend - Nai-Hoi Yau's "Eye In The Sky" and Benny Chan's "Invisible Target".

In today's age of YouTube and anti-terrorism surveillance, "Eye In The Sky" is a topical thriller that explores how surveillance technology and police stakeouts have developed into a near science.

Simon Yam (S.P.L., The Mission) is Sergeant Wong Man Chin/"Dog Head", a slightly overweight officer who despite his meek and unassuming looks is a brilliant and skillful master of surveillance. He reminded me a bit of Gene Hackman's character in "The Conversation", a skillful professional with an uncanny knack at observation and an odd sense of humor. He has recently taken charge of an earnest new recruit, the young fledgling Constable Ho Ka-Po/'Piggy' (the fetching Kate Tsui, Miss Hong Kong 2004). While "Piggy" is a quick learner and skillful trainee, she still has a lot to learn about the art of surveillance. The unit leader is the stern Maggie Siu (PTU, Election).

They are tasked with taking down Chan Chong Shan (Tony Leung - Election, Throw Down) a master criminal whose team of crooks are responsible for a number of bold jewel store heists. Chan is precise, calculating and meticulous - planning each crime with almost clockwork precision. While generally quiet and reserved, he shows a near sadistic side when cornered and trapped (his preferred method of dispatching his enemies involves the cutting of their jugulars).

Wong and Chan's battle of wits is reminiscent of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in "Heat". Relying less on gun fights, martial arts and explosions, the two battle using their intelligence and cunning, as if almost playing chess.

Simon Yam and Tony Leung are fascinating in this film. It's nice to see Yam play more subdued and less flamboyant characters than his past roles. He is engaging in his part and his relationship with Tsui plays more like father and daughter rather than student and teacher or officer and subordinate.

Leung is equally good as the villain Chan. He brings a nice charisma to his role and his controlled performance fits the role perfectly, without going to extremes.

This is writer Nai-Hoi Yau directorial debut. Having written such great screenplays for Milky Way such as "Election", "Triangle", "Longest Nite", "The Mission" and "Expect The Unexpected". He shows great skills behind the camera and I definitely will be looking forward to seeing him more in this capacity.

"Eye In The Sky" was a bit of a departure for Johnnie To and Milky Way Productions. Unlike past projects like "Heroes Never Die", "Exile" and my personal favorite "Beyond Hypothermia", "Eye In The Sky" isn't as bleak, tragic or depressing as those films. While there is gun play and violence, it is somewhat subdued and controlled. It came as a bit of an unexpected surprise but a refreshing one.

Without going into spoiler territory, some may find the ending a bit too "Hollywood". I kind of felt a bit cheated but the film as a whole was very good. While not the best Milky Way production I've seen, "Eye In The Sky" was an enjoyable thriller that really did a good job of exploring modern police surveillance work and the complexities and logistical nightmares that ensue.

On the other hand "Invisible Target" is your atypical, stylistic and audience pleasing HK action film reminiscent of the 80s cop films of the past.

"Invisible Target" unites "Dragon Gate" co-stars Nicholas Tse and Shawn Yue who portray "super cops" Chan Chun and Carson Fong Yik Wei. Chan is the bitter and withdrawn undercover cop and Carson is the stubborn and hot-headed renegade detective. Fate soon brings them together when rookie beat cop Wai King Ho (Jaycee Chan) recruits the two cops in an effort to bring down the ruthless criminal Tien Yeng Seng (Wu Jing) and his brothers who are responsible for a number of high profile and violent robberies. In fact, Tien Yeng Seng is responsible for not only the death of Chan Chun's fiance but also the death of Wai's older brother, who was an undercover cop.

"Invisible Target" is one of those films that makes you smile with glee. It is a film that is fun to watch and just enjoy for what it is, similar to films like "Police Story" and "So Close".

Granted, it's not a deep film and may even be a bit too formulaic but it has great characters, exciting action, thrilling stunts and a surprisingly poignant ending.

Nicholas Tse is definitely the star of the film but to me Jaycee Chan stole the movie. His portrayal of rookie cop Wai brought heart to the film and made it into something more than just a cop vs criminal thriller. Jaycee has said in interviews that he wanted to steer clear of action films to separate his work from his father's yet he is very good here and just like Jackie Chan, brings to his role a likability and comedic charm that is infectious.

Shawn Yue also surprised me with his amazing stunt work and intense acting. He is definitely someone to watch.

Wu Jing turns in another memorable villainous role after playing Jack in "S.P.L." and he is absolutely brilliant (and scary). Hopefully he won't be typecast into playing these villain roles.

I wasn't a big fan of Benny Chan's 1999 film "Gen X-Cops" which had similar themes but "Invisible Target" was a marked improvement and was definitely more enjoyable. Action fans will be pleased.

For more information on the films showing at this year's festival, please visit the HIFF website.