Director Tsui Hark spent years researching the real life person behind Detective Dee, as well as many of the other historical figures appearing in the movie, and it shows in his attention to detail. "Detective Dee" is equal parts historical and fantasy, and the movie seems incredibly comfortable in both shoes, seamlessly weaving both elements throughout.
Mystery of the Phantom Flame
The movie opens immediately with the titular mystery. That is, two people spontaneously burst into flames in the opening scenes during the construction of a ridiculously large Buddha statue for the coronation of Empress Wu, played by Carina Lau. But why? Could it be divine retribution? Even Deng Chao's scowling albino guard can't seem to figure it out. So Empress Wu calls upon Detective Dee, whom she imprisoned years earlier for treason, to solve the mystery.. Dee proceeds to investigate and in doing so, begins to uncover more schemes and traitors than either of them bargained for. It seems fairly clear who the bad guys are early on, but there is also the "why" and the "how" to deal with, and that is primarily what the movie focuses on. That and the top-notch action sequences.
Action and SFX Get Top Marks
"Detective Dee" was choreographed by the legendary Sammo Hung and it shows in all the amazing action sequences, which barely let up throughout the movie. The spectacular action and special effects are part of what keeps the viewer suspending their disbelief through face-changers, standard wuxia flying and talking deer. "Detective Dee" hurtles along at a breakneck pace, hardly stopping for a breath, never giving the audience a chance to see through its tricks. That is what Tsui Hark is best at though. A fast pace, heart-stopping action and enough smoke and mirrors to keep anyone from seeing the plot holes.
Overall
Admittedly though, "Detective Dee" is better than most. It did not garner numerous awards by not being entertaining. It is extremely entertaining and Andy Lau is as charming as ever as the titular detective. The rest of the fairly big name cast also turn in strong performances. Carina Lau is excellent as the serious, regal Empress Wu and Li Bing Bing is similarly good as the strong, but conflicted female fighter. Deng Chao may be an unfamiliar name to many Hong Kong film fans, but he is strangely charismatic as the albino officer. Fans of wuxia and fantasy should find much to like about this film.
Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame
- Starring Andy Lau, Carina Lau, Li Bing Bing, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Deng Chao
- Directed by Tsui Hark
- Written by Chen Kuo-Fu, Chang Chia-Lu
- Filmed in Mandarin and Cantonese
- Runtime: 119 minutes
- Rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images and some sexuality.
- Additional information at IMDB
Cara Towle - Hong Kong movie buff, international music guru, and foodie.
