介绍:
When you decide to watch Tsui Hark's new film, "Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon," don't be fooled by its title. The word "detective" doesn't guarantee a detective story, but a crime-action film packed with magnificent action scenes with the aid of upgraded filming gadgets and technique.
In his latest outing, the Hong Kong director presents a prequel to his 2010 box office hit, "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame". The story traces the footstep of Tang Dynasty official, Dee Renjie, as he starts his political career in the capital city of Luoyang. His arrival coincides with a devastating attack on the empire's naval fleet: an entire armada is allegedly annihilated by a sea dragon. Dee's boss, Yuchi, is charged to root out the attackers. He will need the help of Dee and many others to solve the case and uncover a conspiracy against the empire.
Just like many other contemporary detective films, for example the new Sherlock Holmes series starring Robert Downey. Jr., "Rise of the Sea Dragon" doesn't offer a satisfactory detective story. The audience would most likely have an idea of what the story is all about after they've seen a quarter of the narrative, so there is no room for any kind of suspension at all. Perhaps, the directors of today are less willing to risk challenging the viewers' intellect. I guess we'll just have to keep paying for mediocre stories, unless enough of us decided to otherwise make a difference.
Fortunately, Tsui Hark is the kind of director that likes to try new things. Tsui is previously known for his work involving the world of martial arts, or Wuxia, but in recent years, he's been seeking new ways to present his world. In 2011, he adopted IMAX filming techniques when making "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate." This time, in "Rise of the Sea Dragon," he pushes himself further by filming 3D underwater scenes. His efforts were not un-rewarded, as many of the magnificent action scenes were reminiscent of "Pirates of Caribbean"--only better.
Tsui's enterprising spirit is also show in his selection of cast members. Apart from Lau Kar-ling, who plays the Tang Empress, all major characters are portrayed by younger generation actors and actresses. The new blood brings vitality to the cast, but also weakens the characterization.
Throughout his career, Tsui Hark has created many distinctive characters, but during his experiment with "Rise of the Sea Dragon," the director traded story and character development for greater visual spectacles, a stronger sense of modernity and better box office returns. For the audience, the visuals alone may be satisfactory enough, but is it really a good trade? Tsui Hark himself will be the judge of that.
On a scale of one to 10, I give "Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon" a seven.
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