KNG OF SPY 特務之王

KING OF SPY 特務之王 is programmed brilliantly as the opening feature of the Hong Kong Asian Independent Film Festival. Made for a teeny sum of HKD$5,000 (about USD$700), KING OF SPY is indeed the one of the lowest budgeted and the most passionate, exciting and entertaining features ever made out of Hong Kong.

KING OF SPY must be seen to be believed. Parodying the canon of action films such as JAMES BOND, THE MATRIX, and a dozen of Hong Kong actioners, the Chu brothers (who directed and acted in the film) show us a energetic mix of camp, comedy and action in their first outing as feature filmmakers. These boys know what they're doing. Even with a measly budget of a fancy meal at the Ritz, the Chu brothers have made an unforgettable feature.

KING OF SPY was titled at an earlier time as EL REVOLUTIONIST, which could easily be a better title. The story revolves around an super secret agent (played by one of the Chu brothers)  who works for "the revolution" to overthrow the existing corrupt Chinese government. The conceit is no doubt extremely Hong Kong and could easily buy the film and the film festival a permanent ban for years to come. But that's what independent filmmaking is about, right? For a few hundred bucks, you can put out your own statement and entertainment.

If the Chu brothers can do it, I can't imagine how anyone can come up with an excuse to not make films if s/he wants to.


Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnLo4xEY0m