Reviewed by: Frank Lakatos Date: 09/28/2005 Summary: the second collaboration of Terry Tong and Dennis Yu Yellow Peril(1984) This was the second collaboration between New wave director Terry Tong Gei Min and new wave director and producer Dennis Yu, as it was thought by investors that they could recreate the same magic as they did with the provocative Coolie Killer(1982). But, many problems plagued this production from becoming another Tong/Yu classic in the lines of Coolie Killer(1982). The problem is that the script is tired, as it wasn't written with the best ideas, and there is hardly a budget to work on. However, true talent doesn't need money to make a good movie. With an exceptional performance by Alan Tang kwong Ming, an effective performance by Chang Yi(in one of his very few perfomances in the 80's) as a CIA agent who is biased against his own ethnicity, a wonderful choice and placement stock scores by Dennis Yu, the use of the loud kickboxing effects(used in the mid 80's Sammo Hung and Jackie chan movies) ala Dennis Yu, a great crew of supporting actors including Walter Cho, and a wonderful pacing and action scenes, this movie turns out to be a decent action drama, but not the detailed art as done with Tong and Yu's Coolie Killer(1982). The chase in the mall, in the new territories jungle, and the final shootout is well scored, shot and paced. The camera work in the new territories, where the skyline of Hong Kong is seen within forest area of the territories, is quite beautiful and even more beautiful with the combination of a wonderful chase score. The last true Dennis Yu triad movie. Knowing that Tong and Yu created a masterpiece that has influenced all of Hong Kong triad movies with Coolie Killer(1982), there thrue talent hold stogether a movie that could have aborted with a average crew. Even though they had the odds against them on such a low underprivaledged budget, they still made better crime movies compared to the crime movies being made in Hong Kong at the time. This movie is available in Asia on Ocean Shores VCD without subs or in the west on Ocean Shores VHS dubbed. The dubbed version, if not decently dubbed, is the only way to decently understand this movie. Highly recommended. ****/*****

Reviewed by: STSH Date: 05/05/2001 Summary: Above average Firstly, the premise of this film is close to ridiculous. The lead character is nicely settled in an ordinary job and happily comes home to a loving wife and son. An old boss asks him to join a shooting raid on a Vietnamese gang, to avenge some wrong done. The lead character objects strongly, but goes along anyway, and quickly finds he has been set up. This was all very hard to swallow. But once one suspends disbelief for the opener, the rest is pretty damn good. The tension between the man having to stay on the run but still keeping in touch with his family keeps things cooking along nicely. This is mainly an action film, and Alan Tang (having more than 50 film behind him at the time) certainly knows how to deliver on that score, and his acting, although a bit squared-jawed, suits the character and the situation well. Chang Yi is a surprise. This is the first film in which I've seen him without the trademark long white wig and matching mo. Despite being the main villain, he doesn't have a lot to do, but makes a pretty good fist of it. And he gets to deliver the movie's only laugh. Simple and effective, a result of excellent timing and just the right expression. Siu Yuk Lung is an actor who never really got past lead roles in cheapies, but he nearly out-does Alan Tang in their scenes together. He plays the limited role of a former marine nor thug with intensity, and is one of the best things in this film. The theme of the story, combined with the title, gives an interesting twist on the mainstream racial hatred of whites against Asians. This one is Chinese against Vietnamese, who are implied to be the titular Peril. Although Alan's character provides some fairness, this is a strongly anti-Vietnamese statement. For those whom are not likely to be offended by such a stance, recommended. Reviewer Score: 6