Gallants manages to find the perfect balance between action, comedy, and drama, with a relatable story and some of the best hand-to-hand action scenes I have ever seen.
The comedy is spot-on, contrary to the Hollywood approach, Hong Kong filmmakers don't go overboard - or so it seems -. While the main character, Cheung (Wong You-nam) is pretty funny, most of the comedic relief is done by Master Ben Law (Teddy Robin Kwan), who reminds me of Jackie Chan's uncle in the animated series Jackie Chan Adventures. Apparently, this is an estereotyped depiction of Hong Kongese elders.
The action, on the other hand, is on par with its comedic greatness - if not better -. The film has some of the best hand-to-hand combat I have ever seen. Unlike Hollywood, Hong Kong films don't seem to rely on constant cuts during the fight scenes, so the viewer can actually appreciate the action happening. I personally prefer this style.
The acting was great. From the leads to the supporting cast, everyone plays their part to perfection. JJ Jia, as one of the few female characters, particularly caught my attention in her portrayal of Kwai.
Directors Derek Kwok and Clement Cheng's use of rapid cuts and zoom, especially during face-offs make the film go from serious to funny and vice versa in a second. Also, Gallants was filmed in eighteen days!? It just got to show the incredible amount of quality good writing and direction can get when they keep things simple. Bravo!
The definitive Hong Kongese action comedy to me.
The comedy is spot-on, contrary to the Hollywood approach, Hong Kong filmmakers don't go overboard - or so it seems -. While the main character, Cheung (Wong You-nam) is pretty funny, most of the comedic relief is done by Master Ben Law (Teddy Robin Kwan), who reminds me of Jackie Chan's uncle in the animated series Jackie Chan Adventures. Apparently, this is an estereotyped depiction of Hong Kongese elders.
The action, on the other hand, is on par with its comedic greatness - if not better -. The film has some of the best hand-to-hand combat I have ever seen. Unlike Hollywood, Hong Kong films don't seem to rely on constant cuts during the fight scenes, so the viewer can actually appreciate the action happening. I personally prefer this style.
The acting was great. From the leads to the supporting cast, everyone plays their part to perfection. JJ Jia, as one of the few female characters, particularly caught my attention in her portrayal of Kwai.
Directors Derek Kwok and Clement Cheng's use of rapid cuts and zoom, especially during face-offs make the film go from serious to funny and vice versa in a second. Also, Gallants was filmed in eighteen days!? It just got to show the incredible amount of quality good writing and direction can get when they keep things simple. Bravo!
The definitive Hong Kongese action comedy to me.