2002 (2001) User Reviews

Hong Kong, Land of Ghosts and Fiends

[claudio_carvalho · 6/10 · 27 May 2008]

In Hong Kong, the special force of the police known as 2002 is composed of the twenty-two year-old cop Chiu (Nicholas Tse) and his ghost partner and they fight against supernatural phenomena under the guidance of the mystic Paper Chan (Kar-Ying Law). When his partner reincarnates, the rookie policeman Fung (Stephen Fung) applies for the position; but Paper Chan explains Chiu that the team is to be formed by a man and a spirit, and Chiu has a death star on his hand that dooms his friends to die. Meanwhile, Chiu falls in love for Nurse Danielle (Danielle Graham), but he avoids her to protect her life against the fate of the death star. When the fiend Water Ghost (Alex Fong) possesses Fung seeking revenge against Chiu, he has to battle against the evil spirit trying to protect also his friend.

The melodramatic "2002" blends action, sci-fi, fantasy, fight scenes, drama, romance, comedy, free merchandise of a bank and an ice-cream brand and cheap philosophy; the result is an enjoyable, but very confused movie, with weird rules and no explanation for the ghosts and fiends in Hong Kong. The special effects work very well and in the end this film is a good entertainment. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "2002 – Exterminadores do Além" ("2002 – Terminators from Beyond")

GHOST BUSTERS meets THE MATRIX, Hong Kong style!

[Libretio · 5/10 · 30 March 2005]

2002

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Sound format: Dolby Digital

A psychic cop (Nicholas Tse) who battles wayward ghosts for the Hong Kong police department is teamed with an eager rookie (Stephen Fung) destined to die and become his ghostly helper. But their plans are thwarted by a vengeful water spirit (Alex Fong), who emerges from the Other Side to destroy them both...

Long on spectacle and short on plot, Wilson Yip's half-hearted blockbuster contains a typical mixture of awkward comedy and heart-rending melodrama, assembled in piecemeal fashion by no less than four credited screenwriters (Vincent Kok, Gwok Ji-kin, Szeto Yam-kuen and Yip himself)! Fate and Destiny play an important role in the patchwork narrative, though such philosophical musings are quickly submerged beneath a tide of CGI effects and wire-fu combat sequences (choreographed by Poon Kin-gwan), including a remarkable fight between Tse and Fong in a swimming pool which rings the changes on an old formula, in no uncertain terms.

However, the film exists primarily as a vehicle for its leading men, both of whom are rendered beautiful by Poon Hang-sang's flattering camera-work and Stephen Tsang's 'Matrix'-style costumes, co-designed by Stephanie Wong. As with so many HK movies of this type, Tse and Fung are given a couple of lacklustre romantic interests (Danielle Graham and Rain Li), but Yip focuses primarily on the intense relationship between the film's male protagonists, and their mutual affection is invested with a fair degree of homoerotic pathos. Sam Lee and industry veteran Law Kar-ying are featured in supporting roles, while Yip himself cameos as a doctor.

(Cantonese dialogue)

not recommended but watchable

[jzathajenious · 5/10 · 4 December 2003]

the latest batch of hong kong movies that i have viewed cant compare to the old 80's/early 90's HK movies. take 2002 for example. there is an infinetly better movie in the genre called "Magic Cop" which was made in the eighties. it shat all over this average movie. the action was awesome, the comedy was spot on, and the characters were likeable, none of these new breed of long haired, pretty boy actors that are all dark and introspective. one of the most pathetic things about this movie was its attempts to imitate/brazenly rip off the style of the matrix, with its clothing and action scenes. there were so many huge gaps in the plot and the romance elements just slowed the whole movie down to a snail's pace, and they seemed like filler, especially fung's "friendship" with the coma chick. the whole film felt rushed, with little attention paid to the details of the plot, and many basic questions gone unanswered. all in all, a fairly stylish, yet unsatisfying entry into the HK horror/action genre. 5 out of 10.

Gen-X Cops Reunion, Sci-Fi Style

[AlbertV79 · 16 April 2002]

I've been waiting to see this film and when I finally did, I loved it. It was great to see the original Gen-X Cops in the same film again. Nicholas "Jack" Tse is the human cop who teams up with Sam "Alien" Lee's ghost character. When Lee is ready to be reincarnated, enter Stephen "Match" Fung as Tse's new partner, who is scared of ghosts. Excellent debut from former Olympic swimmer Alex Fong as the Water Ghost. The finale is a total surprise and it has to be seen to be believed!!! If you liked Gen-X Cops, you'll love 2002.

Watch 2002 again in 2022

[ryanmo-35178 · 7/10 · 5 March 2023]

Just watched once in cinema long time ago and remembered it was a nice movie, and thus decided to watch again. Same as other movies, it is amazing that the action senses were good even it's over WL years. Both actors were handsome and the story was good as they had to partner as a ghost and a human. Some scenes are fun (the taxi in front of city hall and Mr chan to burn hunts become weapons). The fighting between each other was a bit long and it's happy seeing both of them need not die at last. However, it is strange that using that model girl who did not know Cantonese at all as the main actress, is she that attractive?

Underrated Hong Kong Action Horror Comedy!!

[Movie-Misfit · 6/10 · 21 December 2019]

From director Wilson Yip - famed for his work on the Ip Man movies - comes a film that is nothing like those modern classics, although entertains on a different level altogether. Starring 3 of the Gen-X Cops (Tse, Fung and Lee), this action-horror-comedy has some funny moments that come courtesy of its tongue-in-cheek melodrama, comed situations, and over-the-top action. Its like Men In Black (where they chase ghosts instead of aliens) blended with a Stephen Chow Sing Chi film (albeit a weaker one), with action scenes that reminded me of the classic Saviour Of The Soul...

The comedy element of course was no doubt influenced more so by producer and co-writer Vincent Kok who directed Chow in the hilarious Forbidden City Cop, and helped write the equally hilarious God Of Cookery! This film is no where near as funny as those previous efforts, but it does bring some laughs to the table!

Action choreographer Tony Poon Kin Kwan has been in the business from the early 80's and is behind the action on some absolute crackers from Hong Kong's golden years. In 2002, with the supernatural influence his action is a mix of wire-fu, over-cranking and under-cranking, as well as special effect battles with fire and water. So don't be expecting any martial arts gold, but it still entertains.

While Sam Lee really only has a small part as Tse's ghost friend, its really Nicholas and Stephen who carry the film. As much as I enjoy them (most of the time), they seem almost too young for these roles with their boyish looks and giggles making it unconvincing when it comes to their job. If this had been made in the late 80's or early 90's, the team up of characters played by Tse and Fung would have easily been played by Andy Lau and Chow Sing Chi, respectively. In fact - I'm only sorry it wasn't as I would love to have seen that!

Look, I really enjoy 2002. Its nicely shot and promotes that awesome palette of Hong Kong film night-lighting that I love. It has comedy, it has action, it has fantasy - but it just never seems to reach that wow factor that makes me want to love it... There's nothing really bad about it, but it just seems to keep the same level of entertainment throughout (or less) - gently shifting gears a tad for the final showdown of course.

Overall: Hardly a classic, but 2002 wants to be loved and passes the time in a fun way!

Interesting concept, but lacking finesse....

[paul_haakonsen · 4/10 · 22 May 2022]

I sat down in 2022 to watch the 2001 Hong Kong fantasy action movie "2002" for the second time since it was released. I recall having seen the movie shortly after it was initially released, but I just couldn't recall the storyline. So I opted to watch it for a second time.

And while the concept of the storyline in "2002" is interesting, and writers Vincent Kok, Chi-Kin Kwok and Kam-Yuen Szeto were on to something, then directors Wilson Yip and William Darvill just failed to bring something outstanding to the screen.

Sure, I will say that "2002" is certainly watchable, but the movie is just lacking something to spice it up, because it is a fairly bland and generic flavored dish.

"2002" does have a fairly adequate cast ensemble, with the likes of Nicholas Tse, Stephen Fung and also Sam Lee.

Visually then "2002" was adequate back in the day when it was released, and while the effects still are passable today, they are showing signs of aging.

There are far better movies of the same type available, even from the Hong Kong cinema. And "2002" just didn't manage to stand out, so I fear that it will slowly fade back into the mists and become a distant memory of a movie having already been seen.

My rating of "2002" lands on a four out of ten stars.

Cool kung-fu ghost action

[AwesomeWolf · 8/10 · 16 January 2005]

Version: Cantonese, with English subtitles (by SBS)

When watching movies on SBS, I'm prepared for nearly anything. Obviously my definition of 'anything' didn't include an action/horror movie from Hong Kong that was essentially 'Ghostbusters' if it were a kung-fu movie. SBS rules.

'2002' follows a police-unit dealing with the supernatural. Each team is comprised of a human / ghost partnership. When Tide's (Nicholas Tse) partner is re-incarnated, Tide finds a new partner in Fung (Stephen Fung). Fung doesn't know about the human / ghost rule, nor does he realize that anyone close to Tide is doomed to die. Meanwhile, some nasty demons are running around Hong Kong, and they're pretty angry.

The story of '2002' is pretty good. The characters are likable, and the movie was well written. Some things weren't explained very well, but that shouldn't be a problem for anyone interested in these movies or the general subject (Chinese mythology).

Action-wise, '2002' kicks arse. There is a lot of wire-work and CGI. I normally don't like CGI, but I'll forgive it here as the fight scenes were pretty damn-cool. Be warned though, the fight-scenes in this exist to serve to explain the story, and not for the sake of action. Some of these fights are broken up by flashbacks, etc and may drag-on for those not keen on the plot.

8/10 - Check it out if like HK action movies.

Perfect couple cinema-- a bit of Kung-fu, a bit of romance

[angel_starfine · 8/10 · 27 June 2006]

One of my favourite movies of all time. It's a lovely bitter-sweet story surrounded by an edgy plot and plenty of action and bits of humour.

The story tells of the ancient partnership of a ghost and a human teaming together to solve cases concerning unhappy ghosts.

But with this ancient partnership, comes a burden.

This movie does carry on a tiny bit but it's all for the sake of emotional suspense.

The plot twists and turns and just when you think you can predict it... I haven't met a single person that hasn't enjoyed it (and I've played this film to a lot of friends)

Perfect for a night in, maybe with your other half, it's neither overly violence nor over-mushy.

I can't hyper about this movie enough!

Martial Arts Ghostbusters!

[flipfan84 · 9 April 2002]

Ok, while it isn't as good as Ghostbusters, it was a very entertaining picture. The ideas of reincarnation and the afterlife were really cool to see, particularly Sam Lee's character being reborn. The martial arts were decent but it was painfully obvious that both Nicholas Tse and Stephen Fung aren't the best fighters if at all. It really didn't matter because the action was cut well and the fights seemed to be innovative, especially the pool fight. With top notch special effects, action, and some comedy, 2002 is a pretty good movie that may have gone under some people's radar. It's something that people should definitely check out.

Very cool.......

[Bakersan · 8/10 · 24 November 2002]

When this movie premiered on sky, I really wanted to watch it but due to a faulty satellite, I couldn't. The next day I looked for it on Amazon and couldn't find it. After a while I forgot about it, until last night, it was on again (the satellite had been fixed by then). I shoved a tape in and watched it. I had my doubts about this film, I've seen many Chinese films and I know when there bad, there bad but when there good, man are they good. This little gem happened to be one of the good ones, the editing, the music, the relationship between the two main characters made this film one of the most entertaining films I'd seen for a while. Wilson Yip did a good job of this (it's a film that could have been easily ruined), the film has just the right amount of everything in it, action, comedy, romance.

Overall, I really enjoyed this film and hope they make a sequel, I'd give it a cool four stars.

Action, Comedy, Romance - who could ask for more ?

[jc-89 · 8/10 · 24 November 2002]

2002 is the ghostbusting department of the Hong Kong Police. The hero is fated to cause the death of anyone he gets close to, which cramps his love-life somewhat. He gets through partners rather quickly too, since they die, become super-powered ghost partners and then get re-incarnated. His mentor sells paper offerings for the hero to burn for their ghost friends.

The script is always intelligent and witty. The action sequences are just right - they move the plot along without dominating it and are great fun. The acting and directing are both excellent and the main characters are likeable and sexy - strong, but vulnerable.

We laughed out-loud, especially at the comments that brought the characters down to earth. We didn't actually cry at the pathos but it was there.

This review relates to the English subtitled version shown on TV.

Another good movie with Sam Lee!

[wendellmn · 9/10 · 6 April 2002]

Too bad he's only in it for a short while. This whole movie was sort of like Ghostbusters meets Men In Black. It has ghosts, gadgets, as well as my favorite Hong Kong actors, Sam Lee, Stephen Fung, and Nicholas Tse. It offered me a nice escape, and I'm currently watching the making of the movie on the DVD. Unfortunately, that part is not subtitled in English. It is still interesting to watch though.

Good, not Great

[topclaw · 8/10 · 4 December 2003]

Alright, this film wasn't the best in the world. In fact, it probably ranks in the bottom half. Most of the film wasn't very good or inspiring but the bit that caught my eye was the sequence near the end were Wind and Fung were battling it out in the rain. That was probably the best bit. Some good Hong-Kong Wire works but no Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.

An amazingly cool introduction to HKmovies...

[bmyatt_uk · 25 November 2002]

Caution! this review may contain spoilers!

2002, or as it can be named, "Ghostbusters with martial arts" is possibly one of the most entertaining and enjoyable movies I have ever seen. the fight scenes were amazingly stylised and choreagraphed, and the story...

the basic plot is that of the spcial department in the hong-kong police, code named 2002. supplied with special equipment, such as vision drops (Ghosts become visible for five minutes) and the ghostbuster gun, which coats the bullet in the shooter's own blood.

The department, initially, consists of a man-ghost partnership (with Sam Lee fulfilling his irritating sidekick quota.) but after the ghost in the partnership is reincarnated (with an amazingly surreal sequence of Sam swimming down the birth canal, surrounded by sperm.) Tide (nick Tse) is left to find a new partner.

supposedly, all the partners in 2002 are pre-ordained by fate, and when Tide meets heis new partner, Fung, events start to click into place.

however, the emotions of real-life are starting to intrude on Tides life, and before long, he's starting to want more than just ghosthunting.

that about sums it up without TOO much spoiling. I actually found this movie to be immensely emotional, with the romantic stories taking far greater precedence over the action for the middle part of the movie. the whole film focused more on the human element than that of simple eye-candy.

when the fighting did start, however, it started with a BANG. blows are exchanged at ligtening speed, making movies like the Matrix seem to be PERMANENTLY in slow motion!

Forget the Matrix. come and see a REAL martial arts movie.

A badly under-rated martial arts/ghost busting film

[stepwallace · 8 July 2006]

Like the only other person to comment this, I spotted it late one night on SBS (Australia's international channel).

I wasn't really expecting anything at all - but this film was great! It's your classic cop buddy movie, your experience cop (ghostbuster) gets a new partner to break in - and as always there's a new bad guy (ghost) on the block.

Action, comedy, romance, a couple of nice twists here and there to keep the whole thing entertaining.

If you're a fan of Asian cinema, this is a great film. It's a little hard to get your hands on, try ebay.