Search - Man Wanted on DVD

Explosive Hong Kong Action Flick

jon | Portland, Oregon, USA | 11/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie between a crime boss and an undercover cop, although not an uncommon theme in many Hong Kong action flicks, is unique in many ways. First, awesome acting by the major characters (Simon Yam, as the undercover cop; Yu Rong-Guang, as the crime boss; and Christy Cheung, as the girl in between). Secondly, the well-proportioned combination platter of explosive action, character-development, and drama. Thirdly, the creative cinematography and direction. All-in-all, a very impressive offering from that segment of the Hong Kong action genre that doesn't use martial arts to invoke intensity and edge-of-your-seat excitement. A must-see for any action fan!"

One of Simon Yam's very best performances

morgoth | omaha, NE | 04/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rongguang Yu playing the crazy money hungry gangster is also great to see. Simon Yam plays an undercover cop and is one of Rongguang's top men. Early in the movie Yam tries to make his arrest, but Rongguang dies trying to get away from Yam and the other cops. Next, Yam starts becoming very friendly with Rongguang's girlfriend played by Christy Chung. He already has a girlfriend, but come on, this is Christy Chung. All of a sudden we find out Rongguang isn't dead and he wants revenge on Yam and of course he also wants to get all the money he possibly can. The directing job is above average and really allows the actors to shine.

The action is mainly shootouts and they are very exciting. There are only 2 real fist fights, both with Simon Yam, and both are very good. There is also a few really good stunts like guys getting thrown up against a wall and getting thrown so hard they hit the wall with their back! I was really hoping to see Rongguang Yu get to show off his Peking Opera moves (he did play the Iron Monkey and all), but it was almost as cool seeing him with a huge gun in his hands mowing down everybody in sight. He usually plays villain roles, and is outstanding in this movie.

John Woo pretty much started this genre and 'Man Wanted' is not just another replica. I usually love Christy Chung, but she only stands out for her looks in this, but the story is engaging all the way through and Simon Yam gives one of his few great performances.

3.5/5

The picture quality from Tai Seng is nothing special but watchable. English dub is OK and there is a Mandarin and Cantonese track. The subtitles are well written. There is also really good bios and filmographies on Christy Chung, Rongguang Yu, Simon Yam, and the director Benny Chan."