THE ADVENTURERS (1995) back to main
Directed by Ringo Lam Ling-Tung; starring Andy Lau Tak-Wah, Wu Chien-Lien (Ng Sin-Lin), Paul Chun Pui, Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam, David Chiang (Keung Dai-Wai), Phillip Ko Fei.
This mistitled revenge drama is actually one of Ringo Lam's (PRISON ON FIRE, FULL ALERT) better films. It involves Andy Lau, who witnessed the murder of his parents in Cambodia when he was a boy, and now seeks revenge on gang boss Paul Chun. Pawns in the game are Chun's lovely daughter (Wu Chien-Lien) and his mistress (Rosamund Kwan). David Chiang stands out in a fine performance as Lau's fatherly friend and placating influence. Rosamund Kwan for once leaves her "flower vase" roles behind; she comes off well as Chun's emotionally troubled mistress. Despite some lulls and improbabilities in the story, THE ADVENTURERS is a superior, adult drama with interesting character relationships, good action and fine acting. When you're done watching FULL CONTACT for the 5th time, you should seriously consider renting - or buying - this.
Don't let yourself be fooled by the
theatrical trailer or the first five minutes:
THE ADVENTURERS is NOT a film
about the Cambodian war.
I wonder if their choice for the villain's name was a good one.
The seed for revenge:
Andy Lau's father being sifted by bullets
(This is a black and white flashback).
Andy Lau and his kidnapping "victim"
Wu Chien-Lien have fun at one moment
...
... and a lot of trouble the next minute.
For action fans,
THE ADVENTURERS offers cliffhangers ... err... barnhangers...
... and many people suffering light or serious injuries. This is one of the more
serious wounds.
Naturally, the presence of
Wu Chien-Lien is good for some images
of beauty. Even without much makeup
and under extreme stress.