Western Star Makes History in Hong Kong Cinema

Read Time:3 Minute, 24 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Lady Reporter (Female Reporter, The Blonde Fury, Shi jie da shai)
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Genre: Action, Comedy
Year Released: 1989, 2023 Eureka Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Hoi Mang
Writer(s): Sai-Shing Shum, Michael Swift (dialogue, English version)
Cast: Cynthia Rothrock, Elizabeth Lee, Billy Chow, Jeff Falcon, Vincent Lyn
Language: Cantonese, with English subtitles or English dub
Where To Watch: available June 26, 2023; pre-order here now www.eurekavideo.co.uk or www.amazon.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: Drawing in the crowd with a fast-paced narrative that will keep you hooked, LADY REPORTER is an unexpected cinematic delight from the vibrant world of Hong Kong cinema. This film pushes the boundaries of a predominantly male industry, featuring the audacious Western star Cynthia Rothrock in the limelight. With her martial arts skills as her claim to fame, Rothrock’s performance in the film is nothing short of a fantastic show of talent. “Cynthia Rothrock’s first leading role was also the first (and to this day, only) time a Western actress had lead billing in a Hong Kong film.”

Unpredictable, engaging, and a remarkable fusion of martial arts scenes blended with some cleverly scripted dialogue, LADY REPORTER provides the perfect kick of adrenaline for those midnight movie marathons. The fast-paced narrative ensures never a dull moment, with viewers’ attention held captive from the opening scene to the closing credits.

The story revolves around an American law enforcement officer, played by Rothrock, who, disguised as a reporter, undertakes a mission to unveil an ongoing fraud scheme in Hong Kong. Her unexpected intervention in local affairs stirs tension within the city’s law enforcement. Further complicating the plot is her close friendship with the kidnapped prosecutor’s daughter, who holds the key to this covert operation.

In LADY REPORTER, Rothrock’s character, Cindy, forms an unlikely alliance with Judy Yu, played by (Elizabeth Lee.) They become a powerful force to reckon with, confronting a line-up of antagonists portrayed by prominent actors from the genre in the 80s, including Billy Chow, Jeff Falcon, and Vincent Lyn.

Fans of action-packed cinema and admirers of Rothrock’s martial artistry will find this film an enriching visual experience. Despite its occasional narrative and directorial hitches, Rothrock’s portrayal in LADY REPORTER remains praiseworthy. She seamlessly weaves humor into her character, lending a light-hearted tone to the film’s otherwise intense narrative.

One of LADY REPORTER’s most enduring features is its heart-pounding fight sequences, which sustain their gripping appeal throughout the film; her unique fighting style contrasts nicely with the others in the movie. With its three-star rating, the film has several moments of cinematic joy – Rothrock’s commanding performance, the fun choreography, and the groundbreaking presence of a Western female lead in a Hong Kong production.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
– Limited Edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling [2000 copies]
– Limited Edition set of Facsimile Lobby Cards [2000 copies]
– 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray of the original theatrical cut from a brand new 2K restoration
– 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray of the international export cut from a brand new 2K restoration
– Original Cantonese mono audio and optional “classic” English dubbed audio
– Optional English Subtitles, newly translated for this release
– Brand new feature-length audio commentary by Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival) & actor and martial artist Vincent Lyn
– Brand new feature-length audio commentary by action cinema experts Mike Leeder & Arne Venema
– Brand new select-scene commentary with actress and martial arts movie icon Cynthia Rothrock
– Brand new interview with Cynthia Rothrock
– Brand new interview with Mang Hoi
– Trailers
– A Limited Edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by James Oliver [2000 copies]
****All extras subject to change

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA VIDEO]