Yesterday, Well Go USA released, Let the Bullets Fly, the highest grossing comedy in Chinese history on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack here in the states. It’s a fun and witty black action comedy directed by Jiang Wen and stars Wen along with Ge You and Chow Yun-Fet.
I’ve already reviewed the film once so I’m only going to give a brief review of it and then explain what features, or lack thereof, exist on the disc.
The film is set in rural china where a notorious bandit named “Pocky” Zhang runs wild. As his gang robs a train he discovers that there is no silver on it, only a con man named Tang who is headed to Goose Town where he has bought himself a governorship. In exchange for his life, Tang decides to help Zhang become the governor so he can get the money he originally wanted. Upon arrival, Zhang learns that Master Huang (Yun-Fat)is the wealthy honcho and true ruler of the town. After witnessing unjust oppression, Zhang decides to become a true governor and establish a fair legal system under the guise of a different name. As Huang’s power becomes threatened, he decides it’s time to strike at the governor and rid him from the Town. Zhang and Huang’s mind games quickly begin to escalate while Tang tries to play both sides in order to make it out alive.
Armed with lots of bullets, quick witted dialogue, and a cast that can easily balance both action and comedy, Let the Bullets Fly ends up being a wickedly exciting and very fulfilling piece of Chinese cinema.
For folks that don’t watch foreign films often, please give the film more than 30 minutes of your time as the film doesn’t really kick into gear until after that precise time code. It’s the point when Pocky Zhang swears to avenge his fallen comrade and Huang decides to up the ante.
When it comes to the disc and, more specifically, the special features, Well Go USA really dropped the ball. I was anticipating some behind the scenes footage because of how grand the film is in scope and how massive a title it is. Instead of some cool features we get three measly trailers and an English dub of the film. I should at least give some praise for the presentation as the Blu-ray does look good.
If you’re looking for a fun movie to watch definitely hit up Let the Bullets Fly, just don’t expect to find out what happens behind the scenes or what the actors thought of their roles because there is nothing else on the disc. Hell, you might be better off just renting this one instead.
Movie Rating: A smart and fun, shoot ‘em up black comedy with the top Chinese talent in the biz (7/10)
Disc Rating: 1.5/10
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