High Kicks and High Jinks in Cinema

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Inspector Wears Skirts (Top Squad/Ba wong fa)
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Genre: Action, Comedy
Year Released: 1988, 2023 88 Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Wellson Chin
Writer(s): Kam Fu Cheng
Cast: Sibelle Hu, Cynthia Rothrock, Kara Hui Ying-Hung, Sandra Ng Kwun-Yu, Ann Bridgewater, Regina Kent, Ellen Chan Nga-Lun, Lee Pooi-Ling, Stanley Fung, Billy Lau
Where To Watch: now available, order here www.88-films.myshopify.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Dare to enter the bustling world of Hong Kong's silver screen, THE INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS emerges as a unique blend of martial arts and humor. Orchestrated by the seasoned hands of Jackie Chan and Raymond Chow, this film marks a turning point in Hong Kong's filmography. It carves a special place in Cynthia Rothrock's acting portfolio—a dynamic concoction of laughter and acrobatic fights set against the vibrant cityscape. The film swings between high-energy sequences and interesting gaps, creating a varied cinematic experience.

In THE INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS, a seemingly ordinary Hong Kong narrative transforms into a scene of a ninja-led terrorist assault, infusing the storyline with an unexpected twist. This clever pivot adds excitement and blurs the line between fiction and reality. Policewomen Madam Wu and Madam Law blend their martial arts expertise with tactical intelligence. The opening sequence expertly combines adrenaline-fueled action with a tongue-in-cheek nod to film industry clichés.

The narrative gains momentum as the police department, inspired by the duo's heroics, sets out to assemble an exclusive female squad. This initiative introduces various characters, each bringing a unique flavor. The training scenes, reminiscent of classic cinematic montages, are infused with a distinct comedic touch, paying homage to the genre while adding a fresh twist. Under Wellson Chin's directorial eye, these scenes balance intense preparation and comedic relief.

Martial arts cinema icon Cynthia Rothrock shines as Madam Law, making a significant impact despite her intermittent screen time. Her performance culminates in a climactic battle at a jewelry exhibit, where the newly formed squad confronts a gang of skilled thieves. Here, the choreography and Rothrock's martial arts mastery come to the forefront, blending elegance with raw power.

However, the film has its challenges. The male characters, especially the Tiger Squad led by Inspector Kan, often veer into stereotypical and sexist territory, detracting from the film's otherwise forward-thinking approach. The plot occasionally needs a cohesive narrative thread to link its diverse scenes.

Chin adeptly juggles action and comedy, creating an enjoyable and entertaining spectacle. The action choreography, influenced by Jackie Chan's signature style, stands out with its combination of realism and flair. However, constraints in budget and occasional technical oversights slightly tarnish the film's sheen.

The film presents a complex yet entertaining package. It shines with its action-packed sequences and comedic elements but needs to improve in delivering a robust narrative and well-rounded characters. Despite these shortcomings, the film's allure and vibrancy spawned three sequels, securing its spot in the action-comedy Hall of Fame.

THE INSPECTOR WARS SKIRTS contributes, albeit inconsistently, to the Hong Kong action-comedy genre. Its charm lies in its entertaining mix, particularly appealing to martial arts fans and admirers of Rothrock's early career. The film is a testament to the successful fusion of humor and action, navigating its cinematic path with energy and flair, even if it must consistently achieve narrative precision.

Bonus Materials
LIMITED EDITION – Slipcase with brand-new artwork from Sean Longmore
2K Remaster from the Original Camera Negative
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray Presentation
2.0 Cantonese Dual Mono with English Subtitles
2.0 English Dual Mono
Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng
Shooting Her Shot – An Interview With Cynthia Rothrock
The Director Wears Pants – An Interview With Director Wellson Chin
”Top Squad” English Opening and Closing Titles
Hong Kong Trailer
English Trailer
Stills Gallery

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[photo courtesy of 88 FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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