SYNOPSIS:
Nile
and Charlie is a pair of conmen. On Charlie's instigation,
Nile will assume different personalities to attract and cheat
her prospect "husbands". Once, the pair managed
to cheat a wealthy man of his family heirloom.
Nile befriended a photographer, Yang Shukui. At the same time,
the police are hot on their heels. While escaping, they found
out that Shukui comes from a rich family. This finding prompted
the pair to cheat again.
During her mission, Nile fell in love with Shukui and is caught
in between Shukui and Charlie who also loves her. A shocking
finding helps Nile decides.
MOVIE REVIEW:
This movie reeks of a typical Taiwanese television serial.
The only difference is that it squeezes a potential 20-episode
story into 92 minutes. And we mean that as a good thing.
Sampson
Yuan directs Blackie Chen, Winnie Chien (fans of Taiwanese
variety shows and idol dramas would know the duo) and Terence
Yin (New Police Story, Rob-B-Hood) in this inconsequential
picture about a pair of con artists who cheat and lie for
a living. Along comes Yin’s suave character and Chien
falls in love with the good-looker.
Everything
about this movie (it probably was televised on local stations
when it was released) feels like a typical TV movie. The pretty
stars strut about in their pretty wardrobe (check out the
long list of wardrobe sponsors during the credits), spouting
uninspired dialogue that only serves to extend the already
sluggish pace. The filmmakers go about capturing shots of
pretty bird parks, zoos, beaches and resorts (check out the
long list of location sponsors during the credits) so that
the pretty stars can strut their stuff.
Nuff’
said.
A
check with Yuan’s previous works includes producer roles
for several Singaporean drama serials like Always On My Mind
(2003) starring Fann Wong and Ice Sweeper (2000) starring
Li Nanxing. It looks like he handles serials dealing with
heavier dramatic elements.
The
problem with his latest work probably lies with the contrived
attempt at being hip and trendy. Instead of contributing to
the story, the flashy edits, the funky dance soundtrack and
the mediocre actors trying their best to look intense only
made us irritated.
This
is probably one movie meant for girls who like to swoon over
handsome actors and boys who like to feast their eyes on cute
actresses.
MOVIE RATING:
Review
by John Li
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