Corey Yuen and Daniel Lai co-direct this superb comic book nonsense…
Eschewing any visible plot line whatsoever, Saviour Of The Soul is a lush production, beautifully filmed with great action. Just don’t worry if it doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Surprisingly from the pen of Wong Kar-Wai (In The Mood For Love, Chungking Express, Ashes Of Time) this comic book romance throws us headlong into the action with Silver Fox (Aaron Kwok) freeing his friend Old Eagle from prison, dispatching an army of guards on the way in the fabulous opening sequence. Fox now seeks revenge on Old Eagle’s behalf, having been blinded by May (Anita Mui).
Unaware of this threat, May now working with two adventurers, Ching (Andy Lau) and Siu Chen (Kenny Bee) who are both planning to propose to her. However, when collecting Kenny’s sister from the train station, he himself is killed protecting May from Fox. Realising that she’s endangering her friends she decides to go into hiding. Ching is left with Kenny’s sister Wai Heung (Gloria Yip) in his charge, whilst desperately trying to find May. Only to find she’s living in the block of flats opposite all that time, but Silver Fox turns up again and possesses her with his ‘Horrible Angel’ stance. The only person that can save her is ‘Pet Lady’, but will she help?
Now did you get all that? If not don’t worry… it won’t spoil you’re enjoyment if you don’t!
Something of a precursor to The Heroic Trio, which also stars Mui, Saviour benefits greatly from cinematography by the Oscar-winning Peter Pau (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, The Killer, The Bride with White Hair) - whose first work in the director’s seat, The Touch, is about to explode worldwide. The characters inhabit a futuristic, stylised world, becoming more of a live action comic book. In fact it probably looks a lot better than it deserves too! And there are some excellent action set pieces and wirework. Undoubtedly the combination of co-director Corey Yuen (Fong Sai Yuk, So Close, The Transporter) and fellow Yuen school pupil Yuen Tak.
Cast almost entirely with Cantopop superstars, the emphasis is on humour. Kwok, rather sensibly so early in his career, is given little more to do than look menacing. Mui stands out in a dual role as her own wise cracking sister - complete with a voice that sounds more like that of a drag queen.
There’s nothing too taxing here, just pure fun… so sit back and enjoy the ride!
DVD details
Distributor: Universe (Hong Kong)
This is a pretty good transfer that keeps the stylised lighting and set design looking fantastic.
