Black Mask (1996)

» torayume - re: black mask

Once again I have to disagree w/ you- altohough let me say your articles are quite well writteen, especially for one so young. But, um, don't you think the action in black mask, while well choreographed - Yuen Woo Ping always does a good job- and well performed, is HORRIBLY shot and edited. it looks like an American movie. I mean that in the worst possible way. You know how American quote unquote martial arts movies shoot in tight close up and edit very quickly, so that you can never really see the action or be sure of what's going on. American movies have to do that, they're usually saddled w/ jokers like Van Damme who don't know how to actually fight, so they have to resort to smoke and mirrors. But the classic Chinese way of shooting action is long shots and wide screen exposures, to let the performers show off what they can do. think about it.Wouln't Black Mask have been better if the fight scenes were handled like they were in , say, Fist of Legend ( a greatly superior film, and one you've probably seen)

Just an opinion.

-- posted by torayume

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» JonathanLB - I have to disagree with you there

I don't think that Black Mask was done at all wrong, and I think the editing is great, it is very fast-paced and exciting, but the action is still top notch.

I agree that Fist of Legend is a superior movie, but not by much. Black Mask is awesome.

Now, I know what you mean by the longer, pull-away shots like from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon for instance, but different styles can all work, depending on the film.

-- posted by JonathanLB

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