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Cast:
Miriam
Yeung
Louis
Koo
Flora
Chan
Wyman
Wong
Yuen
King Tan
Lo
Meng
Producer:
Cheung
Shing Sheung
Director:
Wilson
Yip
Score:
  
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DRY
WOOD, FIERCE FIRE
AKA:
N/A
Year:
2002 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
Alice
(Yeung) works at a Hong Kong women's magazine and doubles as a
herbal doctor for her colleagues, earning her the nickname 'Dr.Tsui'.
She also suffers from a lack of confidence in her own beauty
due to the cruel mocking of childhood and her pleasant, yet
unusual upbringing. When the magazine is merged with an
equally popular men's magazine, Alice's quiet comfort is
shaken. The boisterous newcomers to the office are soon
corrected by Alice's precise medical and kung fu expertise.
Ryan (Koo), one of the new arrivals, does catch her eye though
and her sly glances at her handsome workmate are quickly
noticed. Initially Ryan throws the attention back in her face,
but a chance meeting helps them develop their friendship. This
extends to Alice helping Ryan as he falls hopelessly in love
with new boss Michelle (Chan) and happily accepts the
guidance. Although finding herself utterly absorbed in Ryan,
Alice gives him the direction he needs to impress Michelle
while repressing her own feelings. Nonetheless, events
eventually mean that feelings need to be confronted and Alice
also finds herself receiving unwanted attention from a suitor
recommended by her parents.
It's
widely appreciated that Wilson Yip is one of the most talented
directors working in Hong Kong, alongside Derek Chiu ('Frugal
Game') Riley Yip ('Metade Fumaca') and Johnnie To ('Needing
You' and endless others). Although 'Dry Wood, Fierce Fire'
doesn't exactly concrete his reputation it doesn't do it any
harm either. Taking a well-trod tale of unrequited love and
combining efforts with current hot property Miriam Yeung, Yip
imbues proceedings with an infectious air. The first twenty
minutes contain the delicate air of the surreal and emotional
that was the highlight of French hit 'Amelie', though it never
quite sustains its strong start. The problem with the
production is that it treads very familiar paths without
adding anything significant to it; the rom-com genre is a
crowded market and needs a fresh approach to stand out from
the competition. It's also difficult to believe that the
pretty Miriam Yeung could be so easily pushed aside by the men
in her life - a common fault in films of this nature.
'Dry
Wood, Fierce Fire' is full of merits though and never becomes
difficult to sit through. Miriam Yeung has divided Hong Kong
film fans into two distinct camps such is the very understated
way she plays her roles, but she is again a definite asset.
Yeung gives Alice an appealing vulnerability despite her
eccentricities. Louis Koo virtually lampoons his popular,
untouchable leading man status and, as a result, creates a
gentle chemistry with his co-star. Whoever cast this film
also came up with the remarkable idea of giving Venoms legend
Lo Meng the role of Alice's father. Experiencing Lo Meng's
genuine presence again, coupled with his ability to steal the
acting honours in his brief time on screen, is a major plus. 'Dry Wood, Fierce Fire' is a production that provides quality
in every department, but doesn't necessarily ignite the
screen. A strong three and a half star rating and a firm
recommendation.
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