Bloody Brotherhood (1989)
Reviewed by: Frank Lakatos on 2005-09-29
Wang Lung Wei or some producers who understood Wang's Hong Kong Godfafther(1985) concept were inspired to recreate Hong Kong Godfather, but they didn't know that they didn't have the right ingredients to even attempt a remake. But with a lousy script, budget, and miscast of Andy Lau as the lead (we need a man, not a teenager!), the movie went down the tubes. Wang tries to make up this abortion by choroegraphing a chopper brawl similar to that of the astonmishing Hong Kong Godfather (1985) finale, but the script is bad, there is too much misdirection(Ken Lo and Philip Ko aren't used at all, and Dick Wei is bumped off mid way through the movie) and bad action design(not the choreography) which complete aborts the movie. The only redeeming quality is Lam Wai, who should have been cated as the lead. Shum Wai wa shired again to play the two faced triad leader, who causes a triad war as he did in Hong Kong Godfather, but his presence alone cannot save this abortion. This is an example of the Hong Kong industry, greedy and at the same time, chicken headed, which is a horrible combination, a combination which has ruined and continues to ruin whatever remains of the Hong Kong movie industry. If you are bored, this is a decent filler, but don't expect Hong Kong Godfether here. This is just another routine triad movie. **1/2/*****