Bar Paradise

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Film: B-

 

 

Gregory Hatanaka and Gary Mak (though listed as “Lex Tsal” in the end credits) have co-directed an interesting action drama romp called Bar Paradise (2005) about a young man named Cheuk who visits a bar one night and finds unexpected shady events ongoing.  Although it would seem to be a key gangster bar he has arrived at, there is even more than meets the eye and the craziness begins.

 

This includes a love triangle, an abandoned baby, the military, stylized gun fights, some good acting, politics, an election, backstabbing and just enough additional chaos to make this film interesting to watch.  In all this, there are times the film hits some false notes, but Sam Long script is thought out nicely and Hatanaka is getting better at directing on his part.  There is also chemistry among the actors and they are always interesting to watch.  All in all, this was a pleasant surprise.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image looks pretty good, despite some detail limits.  Color is good and cinematographer Lam Bam Wah creates some memorable images and the film has a better feel for it.  The sets and locations are compelling to watch and cinematic enough to embarrass similar films of late.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has no surrounds, but is not bad for a low-budget production.  Extras include stills and the trailer, but that is all.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo