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Old Hong Kong action flick of blood and guts (literally)
By Brian Offenther |
July 27, 2012, Friday
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RIKI-OH: The Story of Ricky" is less an action film than a grotesquerie of an action film. It's the equivalent of asking for a toothpick and getting a redwood.
The fighting is so extreme, the characters so ridiculous, that the film exists as an exercise in genre: If a 10-year-old explained to an alien what a Hong Kong action film of the early 1990s is, the alien would make this movie. That complete absence of rationality and decency makes the film a fascinating treat for anyone with a tolerance for outsider art.
Let me describe one scene to give you a taste of what's in store. I'll warn you now it's not for the weak of heart, or stomach.
Our hero, Ricky (Fan Siu-wong) goes to the outdoor common area in a jail where he is imprisoned. There he finds that his friend Andrew (uncredited) is being crucified by Oscar (uncredited).
Oscar is the assistant of the evil warden (Mei Sheng Fan), and is part of a faction called the Gang of Four. If there is any symbolism here relating to real-life politics, it's beyond me.
Ricky and Oscar begin to fight. Oscar takes out a knife the warden gave him to use against Ricky. Again, the warden gives a prisoner a knife to use against another prisoner.
Oscar has hidden in the sheath of the knife some sort of glitter-like substance that he uses to blind Ricky. Ricky's arm gets cut very badly.
You think he's out for the count, but no, he smashes a sewer pipe, spewing water in the air, allowing Ricky to wash his eyes out. Ricky reaches into the flesh of his arm and ties a knot together of the tendons, allowing him to regain use of his arm.
Now the weird stuff happens. Oscar cuts his own stomach. What follows is a disembowelment and strangulation scene. Alas, this doesn't work, and Ricky defeats Oscar. End scene.
In theory, this film should be easy to rationalize. When it gets down to it, it's a dumb action movie. But this movie is just so dumb, with so much action, it transcends comparison.
Like a mantra or slogan - "Life is good," "Just do it," "Don't worry, be happy" - this film is just so simple, there's a genius to it. A bloody, bloody genius.
Movie: 'Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky' (1991)
? Where to see it: Dada (115 Xingfu Rd, near Fahuazhen Rd)
? When to see it: July 31, 9pm
? Tickets: Free
? What's to see: An absolutely insane martial arts exploitation film from Hong Kong, gory beyond most people's imagination.
? Dubbed in English
? Brian's rating: 9/10 stars
The fighting is so extreme, the characters so ridiculous, that the film exists as an exercise in genre: If a 10-year-old explained to an alien what a Hong Kong action film of the early 1990s is, the alien would make this movie. That complete absence of rationality and decency makes the film a fascinating treat for anyone with a tolerance for outsider art.
Let me describe one scene to give you a taste of what's in store. I'll warn you now it's not for the weak of heart, or stomach.
Our hero, Ricky (Fan Siu-wong) goes to the outdoor common area in a jail where he is imprisoned. There he finds that his friend Andrew (uncredited) is being crucified by Oscar (uncredited).
Oscar is the assistant of the evil warden (Mei Sheng Fan), and is part of a faction called the Gang of Four. If there is any symbolism here relating to real-life politics, it's beyond me.
Ricky and Oscar begin to fight. Oscar takes out a knife the warden gave him to use against Ricky. Again, the warden gives a prisoner a knife to use against another prisoner.
Oscar has hidden in the sheath of the knife some sort of glitter-like substance that he uses to blind Ricky. Ricky's arm gets cut very badly.
You think he's out for the count, but no, he smashes a sewer pipe, spewing water in the air, allowing Ricky to wash his eyes out. Ricky reaches into the flesh of his arm and ties a knot together of the tendons, allowing him to regain use of his arm.
Now the weird stuff happens. Oscar cuts his own stomach. What follows is a disembowelment and strangulation scene. Alas, this doesn't work, and Ricky defeats Oscar. End scene.
In theory, this film should be easy to rationalize. When it gets down to it, it's a dumb action movie. But this movie is just so dumb, with so much action, it transcends comparison.
Like a mantra or slogan - "Life is good," "Just do it," "Don't worry, be happy" - this film is just so simple, there's a genius to it. A bloody, bloody genius.
Movie: 'Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky' (1991)
? Where to see it: Dada (115 Xingfu Rd, near Fahuazhen Rd)
? When to see it: July 31, 9pm
? Tickets: Free
? What's to see: An absolutely insane martial arts exploitation film from Hong Kong, gory beyond most people's imagination.
? Dubbed in English
? Brian's rating: 9/10 stars
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