Iceman Cometh (Ji dong ji xia, 1989)

A Ming Dynasty royal guard (Yuen Biao) and an evil rapist-killer (Yuen Wah) he's chasing are both frozen in ice, only to thaw out in modern day Hong Kong to resume their battle. The noble royal guard is taken under a prostitute's (Maggie Cheung) wing--and taken advantage of by her--until he learns the truth about her and helps her straighten out her life while preparing for a final confrontation with the bad guy.

I love this movie. Yuen Biao is at his best--he's perfect for the role, capturing the confusion, anger, and innocence of his character, who is so out of his element in this new world. Yuen Wah is slimy and creepy (isn't he always?), and Maggie Cheung is a lot of fun. It's also nice to see Biao actually BEAT Wah in a fight instead of being an easy defeat before Sammo or Jackie comes to his rescue. Watching these two acrobatic wizards going at it is breathtaking.

So, basically, you've got a fun story, good acting, and great fights. Can you ask for anything more? Well, okay, some slash potential, which there isn't here, might have been nice. But I'll make do.

SUMMARY:

Overall rating: A Watch this one to see what Yuen Biao can do on his own, without his Big Brothers Jackie and Sammo taking the spotlight.

Droolworthiness: A- Biao is very, VERY cute, especially with the long hair in the first part of the movie (mmmmrowl!)

Slashiness: F Nope, nada, zero.

Action: B+ Not tons of it, but the Wah/Biao fights are great.

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