Leofwine_draca ENTER THE PHOENIX is a lowbrow Hong Kong comedy about a youthful Triad who takes over his father's business; the only problem is that he's also gay, a situation which causes some consternation amid the conservative values of the Triad members. This film was written and directed by actor Stephen Fung, who also has a small role, and it's not as funny as his following year's HOUSE OF FURY. The humour is very broad and of the type that doesn't really translate well to non-Asian viewers. The main stars are fine but the comedy supporting actors quickly irritate with their constant mugging and gurning for the camera.Daniel Wu headlines the production and gives an assured turn, although I was disappointed to find out that Yuen Biao's role is a mere cameo. Jackie Chan and Nicholas Tse have other cameos. Chan Wai-Man is a welcome presence and not at all typecast as a Triad boss, while Karen Mok makes her presence felt too. The rest of the film is a mish-mash of exaggerated jokes, plenty of gay stereotypical humour, and some poorly-choreographed action bits.

Anne Under It's not a simple task, giving this movie a review. Especially, I should add, because I've seen it right after seeing the movie "Bishonen", whose two stars are featured here as well, one even directs the movie.Keeping this in mind, you may not be as surprised to hear that I was greatly thankful for the movie. Whereas "Bishonen" broke my heart, this movie revived it, and it was no easy task.The plot starts with a face-off of the Triad's highest ranking members, which results in an accidental killing. Following this, said members swear not to harm one another any longer. However, a little boy is left an orphan, and he will seek to avenge his father later on.25 years later and the "Big Brother" is dying. He asks his second in command to bring back his son and make sure he takes over the crime organization. The son, however, is gay and not interested in the job. His straight roommate is. So the switching of roles begins.It's a light-hearted comedy which sets out to make fun of the usual clichés and does so extremely well. I think the moments dealing with the clichés are some of the best in the movie. At the same time, it also oozes with coolness during some scenes (the swearing of the new "Big Brother", the final action sequence at the end of the movie).Not all is perfect with this movie. Some jokes are a bit crude, some comic scenes are somewhat over-acted (the fake son crying at his father's funeral, for example) and the plot doesn't always make all that much sense. Still, it made me laugh out loud at times, it was also had touching moments that ran deep in a way a lot of serious dramas don't manage to, Daniel Wu's character - the real son of "Big Brother" - is interesting and wonderful, not to mention stereotype-breaking as a gay man you *would* want to head a Triad.Personally, I'd love to see a sequel, and that in itself says a lot. I even have the basic plot figured out, so I have no doubt it can (and should) be done.

buffylover1985 This movie rocks! * The jokes are genuinely funny, and have quite broad appeal. The action at the end is gloriously over the top and the performances are excellent. The plot is quite clever and irreverent. One of the most positive elements of the films is the portrayal of gay characters. Apart from one quite distasteful scene involving a doctors checkup the gay characters are presented as real people not stereotypes and can even kick butt if the need arises. Hollywood take note this is how it should be done . ****/*****

goodmen And a fine film he had made.The plot was nothing special, a boss (Yuen Biao) whose dying wish was that his son (Daniel Wu) he never loved to take over for him. In this case, the son is gay and he brought along with his friend (play by Eason Chan) who purposely act has Hung's son.What make this movie great is the pace of the film, the subplot and the movie is just hilarious. The Almost 3 way triangle between Karen Mok, Eason Chan and Dainel Wu was excellent. Seeing Law Kar-Ying was hilarious, and Chapman To was funny most of the time. The cameo from Nic Tse, Sammi Cheng and Jackie Chan was beautiful put, Sammi Cheng was super funny for her role. This movie is still not perfect, like the ending ( a fight scene) was cheesily, has in look fake, done. Also the gay aspect can be annoying at time. Nevertheless the flow of the movie work perfectly and the acting was above par. Also i like to give my head up on the triad angle was shot very well.Stephen Fung show high potential to be a great director, with the help from Jackie Chan i can see he can make a lot more great film.