I’m finally back from my mini-hiatus and it’s “unpopular opinion Time.” This time, I’ll be looking at the classic triad film, My Heart is That Eternal Rose, which was directed by Patrick Tam. I’m a fan of Patrick Tam's other films including The Sword and Final Victory. This movie was made during a time where triad movies had really started to take off. One of the most beloved and popular triad movies was John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow from 1986. The story, the action, and the gritty realism of some triad movies really made it a popular genre. Not all triad movies are masterpieces though and My Heart is That Eternal Rose is proof.
Kenny Bee and Joey Wong star as Rick and Lap respectively. After being separated for 6 years, Rick has become an assassin while Lap was forced to be a moll for the triads. Since they still love each other, they try to escape the triads, but the triads won’t give up so easily. Also starring Tony Leung as one of the lowly triad members who gets the courage to help the star-crossed lovers
Kenny Bee and Joey Wong star as Rick and Lap respectively. After being separated for 6 years, Rick has become an assassin while Lap was forced to be a moll for the triads. Since they still love each other, they try to escape the triads, but the triads won’t give up so easily. Also starring Tony Leung as one of the lowly triad members who gets the courage to help the star-crossed lovers
Most people would agree that Kenny Bee doesn’t make a very charismatic lead. If anything, I’d say he’s really dull. He seems to have the same stolid expression throughout the entire runtime. And behind every bland hero is just as bland heroine. There doesn’t really seem to be much chemistry between Kenny Bee and Joey Wong. They just kinda love each other and you can tell that they love each other because...just because. One of my favorite things about Patrick Tam’s Final Victory is that the leads were unique and they had chemistry. In My Heart is That Eternal Rose, you could easily replace the two leads with cardboard cutouts. Even then, the story is mostly generic.
I have to agree that for the most part, this movie looks really stylish and pretty. Most of the movie is shot very well, mostly thanks to infamous cinematographer Christopher Doyle, but it seems as if he had never filmed an action scene before. It’s a real task to figure out what the hell is going on in some of the action scenes. Especially by the end, you’re just scrambling to figure out who just got shot, by who, where, and how, while trying to comprehend the disorienting camerawork.
I have to agree that for the most part, this movie looks really stylish and pretty. Most of the movie is shot very well, mostly thanks to infamous cinematographer Christopher Doyle, but it seems as if he had never filmed an action scene before. It’s a real task to figure out what the hell is going on in some of the action scenes. Especially by the end, you’re just scrambling to figure out who just got shot, by who, where, and how, while trying to comprehend the disorienting camerawork.
Another thing about the ending is that it’s just so needlessly depressing and confusing. I still have no idea what goes on during and after the final showdown, but what I do know is that it’s not very satisfying. Even though the climax is supposed to be the best part of the movie, I found it really hard to care about what was going on.
Well, what did I like about this movie? And I must say that Tony Leung was easily my favorite thing about this movie. He gives a downright excellent performance in this movie as the nervous and loyal Cheung. His character presents some much needed tension and nervousness. When you watch him act, you almost feel like you are him. It’s a truly stunning performance. Screw everyone else in this movie; Tony Leung should’ve been the star. He’s ten times more interesting than any of the other characters (Michael Chan is maybe the exception). Other than that, I really liked the theme song.
Well, what did I like about this movie? And I must say that Tony Leung was easily my favorite thing about this movie. He gives a downright excellent performance in this movie as the nervous and loyal Cheung. His character presents some much needed tension and nervousness. When you watch him act, you almost feel like you are him. It’s a truly stunning performance. Screw everyone else in this movie; Tony Leung should’ve been the star. He’s ten times more interesting than any of the other characters (Michael Chan is maybe the exception). Other than that, I really liked the theme song.
Yeah, I don’t really give a crap about My Heart is That Eternal Rose. It’s such a beloved movie, but I couldn't get into it. The action, the characters, and the story are all poor and boring as hell. Some of the performances are quite good though. Tony Leung gives such a good performance that I feel bad for disliking this movie. This certainly isn’t one of my least favorite movies though (far from it) mainly because you can tell that a lot of effort was put into it. But still, this movie succeeds most in showing the importance for a movie to have interesting main characters.
Images from HKMDb and HK Cinemagic
Images from HKMDb and HK Cinemagic