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WINNERS
AND SINNERS (1983)
A.K.A.
- Winners & Sinners; 5 Lucky Stars
Reviewed
by Phil Mills
When
five hopeless criminals wind up in prison, they forge strange
bonds that see them make a brotherly pact to remain friends
forever. Upon their release, they keep their promises
and decide to go straight by setting up a cleaning company
under the name 'Five Stars'. However, crime follows an
ex-con like a bad smell and when the gang accidentally wind up
in possession of counterfeiting plates they find themselves
sought after by one of the biggest crime organisations in
town. As if this wasn't bad enough, another rival gang
see the opportunity to obtain some extra business and decide
to go after the plates while they are in "neutral"
hands. With the help of a rogue cop (Jackie Chan), the
gang decide to clear their names and attempt to bring both
gangs to justice whilst trying to stay alive.
'Winners
And Sinners' is the first movie from the team that eventually
became known as the 'Lucky Stars' and is considered by most
(including myself) to be the funniest entry into the series.
Whereas it's sequels utilised the action stakes and skills of
Jackie Chan to a higher degree, 'Winners And Sinners'
concentrates mainly on the antics of the five friends and
allows them to forge a chemistry that became the backbone of
the entire series. Littered with humourous antics and
ingenious set pieces, this is Hong Kong comedy at it's finest
with enough visual gags to tickle your funny bone without the
need to worry about difficult translations. Jackie Chan
tags along for the ride to give recognisable star power and
showcase a couple of impressive stunts but it's Sammo who gets
the spotlight for the action as he performs his usual solid
routines for the finale.
Those
of you expecting a typical Jackie Chan movie from 'Winners And
Sinners' will no doubt be disappointed but if you appreciate
the talents of the other actors concerned then this is
certainly a treat. The gags come thick and fast and the
cast are all in extremely fine form for this entertaining
early comedic outing.
Rating:
 
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