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Reviews
Tian yu (1998)
Powerful,heartbreaking drama set in 70's communist China.
This simply and beautifully directed film takes the audience into the cruel and oppressive world of Chairman Mao's 1970's China. Seen through the eye's of a lovley but nieve' peasant girl, we see vividly, how the politics of a brutal dictator can destroy the life of one who has'nt even been given a chance to live and love. The performance of Lu Lu in the title role is a staggering achievement. A performance that vividly shows such complex emotions at such a young age is remarkable. Lu Lu is another Gong Li, perhaps, time will tell.
Great credit should be given to director Joan Chen for braving the massive obstacles of shooting this film in a hostile country that would not give her permission to shoot there (she is now banned from China).
Tech credits are very good especially considering the low budget and difficulties of making a film while avoiding arrest by Chinese authorities.
I very much look foward to future films from both Joan Chen and Lu Lu.
Error in Judgment (1999)
Sexy mystery/thriller
This is a mystery/thriller with a sexy twist provided by exciting new comer Sung Hi Lee. Story involves the tangled lives of a married couple and a possibly deranged artist played by Lee. Obviously a low budget venture with some marginal technical credits but clearly good intentions. Joe Montenga is miscast as the struggling art dealer but carries on gamely. The very brightest moments of this movie are created by an extraordinary beauty namely Sung Hi Lee. She makes this middling drama a film worth watching. Lee is the straw that stirs the drink, so drink up!