|
Cast:
Jackie
Chan
Shu
Qi
Tony
Leung Chiu-Wai
Emil
Chow
Yam
Yin Chai
Brad
Allan
Action:
Jackie
Chan
Producer:
Jackie
Chan
Director:
Vincent
Kok
Score:
 
|
GORGEOUS
AKA:
Glass Bottle
Year:
1999 Reviewer: Phil
Mills
Ah
Bu (Qi) is a local girl from a small village in Taiwan and
dreams of nothing but finding the man of her dreams. One
day a glass bottle containing a note washes up beside her that
reads "I am waiting for you", and lists the address
of the sender in Hong Kong. Deciding to take a chance,
Bu travels to meet up with the mystery man who is capable of
such a romantic gesture. Upon arrival she learns that
the note was in fact intended for the man's boyfriend and all
seems lost until she catches site of Nick (Chan). Thanks
to his wealthy playboy lifestyle and obvious charms, Bu begins
to feel that Nick could truly be the one but does he feel the
same way?
Never
let it be said that Jackie Chan can be confined to one style
of film as he once again transcends genres in this
romance/comedy/action affair. Although approaching 50,
Chan can still be considered a teen idol in many territories,
allowing him to convincingly take up this leading romantic
role opposite the young and beautiful Shu Qi. Each of
their scenes together can best be described as heart warming
thanks to compelling performances from the stars assisted by a
strong supporting cast, a good script and powerful directing.
Hong Kong film makers may be best known in the West for superb
action sequences but they can also create some real
tear-jerkers when necessary. This has been proved by the
emergence of several similarly themed films today that
continue to do impressive business at home and abroad.
It could be that the use of subtitles dispel the bygone eras
of cheesy dialogue but whatever makes it such a successful
mix, only serves to make each film thrive.
Of
course, this is still a Jackie Chan film and it couldn't be
complete without the addition of some action. For this
movie, they take the form of several small fight sequences
against numerous opponents and two major confrontations with
J.C. stuntgroup member, Brad Allan. Each of the shorter
scenes is enjoyable enough but the Allan encounters are what
impress the most. Although clearly played more for
laughs, they contain some fast and furious combinations of
boxing style manoeuvres accompanied by some ultra impressive
aerial displays (particularly from the newcomer). Be
aware though that these are not the focal point of the film
and, as captivating as they are, the real subject matter still
remains the relationship between Qi and Chan.
'Gorgeous'
is certainly a film that is off the beaten track for Chan and
may not appeal to all of his existing fans. There are
trademark fights and comedy in there but it's the presence of
the fairy tale love story that makes this such a departure
from all that he has done before. That said, I like to
consider myself amongst those fans and still enjoyed this film
immensely.
|
