Reviewed by: mrblue Date: 09/24/2003 Simon Yam plays a cop who becomes shell-shocked after his squad is massacred by a group of Mainland criminals. He gets sent to head a group of bumbling cops on a small island, and things seem to be going okay. That is, until the same group of Mainland thugs come to the island to take revenge for one of their brothers and start to take over the entire town, killing and raping as they go. Eventually, Yam and the island's few survivors team up to take on the group. In the world of Category III movies, what really separates the good films from the mediocre is often the performances of the actors. Most anyone can slap together a few scenes with lots of boobs and blood, but it takes a good actor to cement a movie. Simon Yam certainly delivers here. It's not his best performance, but it is quite good -- much better than many others in the genre. Coupled with some pretty decent (and really violent) action sequences and more than a smattering of sex, A Day Without Policemen should satisfy fans of Cat III movies. Though (as with most Cat III movies) those that are easily offended would probably be better off renting a Jackie Chan movie instead. Some of the scenes (especially those involving rape) are fairly gruesome. They tread that fine line between exploitation and trash -- going far enough to generate shock, but not so far as to be overly disgusting. But, again, if you haven't seen too many Cat III movies or don't care for them in general, it would probably be in your interest to skip this movie, even if you are a fan of Simon Yam.

Reviewed by: Inner Strength Date: 01/12/2002 Summary: AWFUL 90 minutes of pointless gunfights without a plot. Rating (out of 5): 1 (This rating is based on the year & genre, so don't think it's based as a comparison on new releases etc.)

Reviewed by: hkcinema Date: 12/08/1999 I know that by judging by the synopsis, it looks like a great Cat III films but it isn't! It would have been a fun film if it wasn't of the fact that the Simon Yam's character was such a whimpy looser. Because of his attitude, there is no way that you can identify with him. The only character for who I had some sympathy was the one played by Tommy Wong, but unfortunately the plot is more focused on Simon Yam impotence, which is explained via to many boring flashbacks. There is still some shocking scenes for any amateur of the genre, but the best way to watch this flick is with a remote control. [Reviewed by Martin Sauvageau]

Reviewed by: spinali Date: 12/08/1999 Summary: NULL When some local hoods rape and accidentally kill a woman, herhusband sends his three Vietnamese war buddies with AK-47s and permanent hard-ons to exact revenge. You might say they go a little overboard. By film's end, they've machine-gunned 20 policemen, 25 bystanders, and over fifty villagers; of course, they end up dying, too, but not before having raped and killed a few gals on the way. Cowardly cop Simon Yam watches some of the atrocities at a distance, but his lovely wife Lu Li gives him courage. Several of the Chinese patrons in the audience left early, which is a particularly bad sign. (1/4) [Reviewed by Steve Spinali] Reviewer Score: 2