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Starring
:
Cheung
Gwok Leung
Michael
Wong
Cheung
Man
John
Cheung
Wu
Fung
Wong
Kam Neung
Action
:
Yuen
Shun-Yi
Yuen
Woo Ping
Guk
Hin Chiu
Producer
:
Stephen
Shin
Director
:
Yuen
Woo Ping
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TIGER
CAGE 3 (1991)
A.K.A.
- Tiger Cage III
Reviewed
by Tony Ryan
Tiger
Cage 1 and 2 are possibly some of the finest modern day
actioners and brought to a close Hong Kong’s 80's action
heyday. Part 3 was released in 1991, and completes a trilogy
related only by name and director.
The
plot revolves around 2 cops: James (Cheung) and John (Wong)
who are on the case of shady business dealings involving the
boss of James’ girlfriend Suki (Cheung Man). John uses his
knowledge of the investigation to further his stock market
dealings and eventually comes unstuck when the boss is
arrested and he loses all his money. Meanwhile, Suki is
kidnapped, due to her involvement on both sides, and James
goes to her rescue, ending up badly beaten and left for dead
after an explosion. He survives but is left badly scarred. The
storyline then meanders around various double-crossings
leading to increasingly brutal physical encounters.
The
absence of Donnie Yen clearly hurts the film, as his physical
skills coupled with long-time cohorts Michael Woods, John
Salvitti etc… made the action unique and exhilarating –
particularly in part 2. Here, Woo Ping brings in Cheung Gwok
Leung as the main fighting star and brings the best out of
him. It is easily on a par with part 1 in the action stakes
showcasing typically excellent grounded choreography. Only
Michael Wong cannot be made to look like a real fighter, as
previously confirmed in the superior 'In
The Line Of Duty 4'. Nevertheless, the action sequences
are all above average, and particularly brutal, as is to be
expected from a Tiger Cage film.
Ultimately,
this is equal to - or better - than part 1 for the action, but
not the drama, yet is certainly not the equal of part 2 for
fight scenes. As a result, it is a welcome addition to the
series without offering anything new. If you liked films such
as 'In the Line of Duty 4' or 'Tiger
Cage' then this is definitely for you. If not, this is no
improvement, so you would be better off looking elsewhere!!
Rating:
 
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