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VOLCANO
HIGH (2001)
A.K.A.
- Whasango; Whasan Highschool
Reviewed
by Phil Mills
A
lot of bad things have been said about this movie concerning
it's lack of originality or over-reliance on special effects
and, having never been a fan of Andrew Lau style films or HK
imitations like 'The Matrix, you could say my expectations
were quite low. However, in the end I was pleasantly
surprised by what I saw.
Kim
Kyung Soo is a problem child who has been transferred between
several schools due to his wreckless behaviour. When he
finds himself relocated to Volcano High School it would appear
that he has found his greatest challenge to date as within
this school lies a secret manuscript that supposedly offers
it's bearer the chance to rule the world. Therefore, the stage
is set for several martial artists to lay down challenges to
become the owner of this important document. As Kim
finds himself drawn into this web of rivalry he must make the
choice between siding with one of the factions or going after
the power for himself.
It's
probably fair comment to say that 'Volcano High' doesn't
exactly break new ground but to call it dull and unoriginal
does not do it justice. Okay, the plot does occasionally
create a certain degree of confusion and there aren't any
revolutionary advances in film making but as a stand-alone
action film it does more than just a few things right.
With it's comic book approach that lies somewhere between
Japanese anime and the 'Streetfighter' computer game, 'Volcano
High' offers humourous, larger-than-life performances combined
with exaggerated visuals that give the film an energetic feel
which sweeps the viewer through the running time. These
factors are also complemented by the dark and brooding locales
that showcase almost colourless backgrounds, all of which are
expertly shot with bucket loads of style. I ask you,
what more could any action fan ask for?
When
it comes to the new breed of action, I (along with many other
long term HK movie fans) have found myself struggling to
get to grips with the special effects induced wire-fu that is
filling all the big budget blockbusters but with 'Volcano
High' I was strangely accepting and captivated by the action
sequences. For me, the major difference between this
film and others that have come before it is that it never
disguises that it is a supernatural flick with superhero type
characters so it doesn't build up any expectations about the
action you are about to witness. Instead, you are
treated to well choreographed fight sequences that use just
the right amount of CGI effects to represent the special
powers whilst never allowing the computer effects to
dominate the combat. This is coupled with succinct
direction that shows all the action properly without an
abundance of slow motion or choppy editing techniques.
To be honest, if we must accept that the golden days of 80s
Hong Kong action are far behind us then this is how I would
like the new style to be presented.
Overall,
regardless of whatever else has been said about this flick,
there are still many reasons to recommend it. Watch it
for the humourous leading performers; watch it for the
exhilarating action; watch it for the stylish directorial
approach but mainly, watch it because it's FUN! It has
it's faults but what film doesn't so I mark it down as another
very successful entry into the action genre that truly
deserves four stars.
Rating:
 
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