Crazy Stone : a runaway hit in China

I have always been intrigued by how directors from different countries approach the crime thriller. Their subtle tweaks can sometimes really reflect the local culture and make the film a fascinating watch. Which leads me to Crazy Stone, a low budget crime-comedy that shot to the top of the box office charts in China this summer. Produced and financed by Hong Kong super-star Andy Lau, the film shows some resemblance to UK director Guy Ritchie’s Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch in its large canvass of characters and intertwining plots. Crazy Stone, however, offers glimpses into the contemporary working class so seldom seen outside Mainland China.

The Plot : a factory that is going bankrupt discovers a precious piece of jade hidden in its male lavatory walls. The factory owner decides to raise money by staging an exhibition of the magnificent piece of jade – but local petty criminals have set their sights on it. Add to the mix a highly “professional” heist artist, a hustler who happens to also be the factory owner’s son and a manipulative land developer who needs the plot of land the factory sits on and the shit literally hits the fan!!

With a rather scatological sense of humor, Crazy Stone was a hilarious romp from start to finish. The film features a cast of largely unknown actors (at least to Hong Kong viewers) that seem destined for bigger comic roles. The lone face I recognized was veteran Hong Kong TV actor Teddy Lin – who does a very funny mock Mission Impossible scene.

The verdict : highly recommended.

Ninja Wars : heads roll in riotous actioner

The second Kadokawa Region 3 DVD I acquired was Ninja Wars, a 1982 samurai / sorcery action movie headlined by a very young Hiroyuki Sanada. This is basically an exploitation ninja flick, with ludicrous action, loads of spraying blood, decapitations and nudity. Historical accuracy is thrown out the window, despite the presence of some well-known figures including warlord Donjo Matsunaga, enigmatic ninja master Kashin Koji and sword master Shinzaemon Yagyu (played by Sonny Chiba sporting a mustache).

The plot : Donjo Matsunaga enlists the evil but powerful Kashin Koji to help him become the most powerful warlord in the kingdom. Koji sends his proteges to kidnap the lord’s mistress – a woman who is supposed to marry the ultimate ruler of the land. Standing in his way is the righteous ninja Jotaro Fuefuki (Hiroyuki Sanada), who seeks vengeance for the death of his wife – who also happens to be the twin sister of the lord’s mistress!!

Adapted from a popular Japanese martial arts novel, Ninja Wars’ plot is convoluted but not really essential to enjoying the film. The numerous outrageous action scenes keeps the film moving at a decent pace, and the sheer outlandish weapons and tricks these ninjas conjure up never lets up. Watch out for the scene where the villains switch the heads of two girls!!

Sanada was known as a period action star and a protege of Sonny Chiba back in the 1980s. Of course, modern views are probably much more familiar with his recent movies like The Twilight Samurai, The Last Samurai, The Promise, and Ringu. Comparing Ninja Wars to these movies highlights how much Sanada has progressed as an actor.

Verdict : recommended for fans of cult samurai action movies.