THE HONG KONG FILMOGRAPHY 1977-1997 (McFarland & Company, 2000): More than virtually any other Western critic, Canadian writer John Charles has helped to foster a mature consideration of Hong Kong cinema which extends far beyond the narrow confines of cop thrillers and kung fu dramas so beloved of cult movie fans. From his pioneering reviews in 'Video Watchdog' magazine to his ongoing Internet coverage, Charles takes his place alongside the likes of Tony Rayns, Bey Logan, Derek Elley and Paul Fonoroff as both an authority and champion of Chinese popular entertainment, combining personal knowledge of Asian history and culture with an appreciation of the personalities and traditions which underpin much of the HK movie industry. 'The Hong Kong Filmography' (subtitled 'A Complete Reference to 1,100 Films Produced by British Hong Kong Studios') represents the culmination of Charles' love affair with the subject, an encyclopedic overview of the most creative period in HK cinema history, complete with credits and video availability and an incredible index which provides an instant overview of the lives and careers of several hundred actors, directors and technicians. Except for the front cover, there are no illustrations, only columns of closely-packed text, and there's an appreciative foreword by 'Video Watchdog' editor Tim Lucas.

And yet, for all its virtues and noble ambitions, the book is a disappointment. Many of the reviews are heavy on plot description and light on critical assessment, which is both a curse and a blessing, given that few of these films have been covered in detail anywhere else, though it's difficult to comprehend the benefits of a lengthy plot outline followed by a brief analysis (often no more than a couple of sentences) in which the movie is summarily dismissed out of hand. Concision is one thing, abruptness is quite another. And if many of the titles under fire correspond with the reader's own preferences, it can seem more than a little galling, especially since publishers McFarland & Company are charging a small fortune for the privilege. Charles' brand of informed opinion is always welcome, of course, and the book will probably work best for casual readers seeking information on individual films rather than those who opt to plough through the entire volume from start to finish, but too many entries here are trashed for being 'ludicrous', 'derivative', 'badly plotted' and/or 'weakly constructed', and there's an excess of withering scorn which may alienate more readers than it impresses. While any given movie industry will always produce its fair share of turkeys, the book seems less a celebration of HK cinema than a catalog of complaint. In fact, the text only really comes to life when Charles indulges his own personal favorites (his appraisals of ASHES OF TIME, THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR and PEKING OPERA BLUES, for example, are insightful and entertaining), and the author makes a number of salient observations regarding the prejudices inherent in HK cinema (homophobia, racism and misogyny are prevalent in many highly-regarded movies), whilst also taking care to warn readers about scenes of animal cruelty, but these are minor points in an otherwise cheerless work.

That said, however, the book is a great deal more comprehensive than most other volumes on Asian cinema, and the credits provided in the main text are invaluable. This reviewer is especially grateful that theatrical aspect ratios have been included for each title, a small - but crucial - detail sadly lacking in most other movie books. However, while many HK movies photographed in anamorphic widescreen don't always provide an on-screen credit for the actual process (Panavision, Shawscope, etc.), it would have been nice if Charles had included it where known, rather than simply providing a note of the relevant aspect ratio (the various sound formats, including Dolby and DTS, are all properly credited). Overall, though intended as a definitive text on this particular subject, 'The Hong Kong Filmography' falls short of the mark, a labor of love undermined by an accumulation of biting criticisms which serve only to diminish the very industry Charles' book seeks to honor.

To get the bad out of the way:
it's expensive, there are no pictures, and the cover leaves something to be desired.

Now the good stuff...this book is amazingly detailed: cast/character listings, synposis, video distributors and more! The HKF has introduced me to a lot of new films and talked about a number of others I had found no real information about besides fanboy newsgroup ravings. Great index too. I don't agree with the review below: the book is nowhere near as negative as At the Hong Kong Movies and the amount of plot synopsis versus criticism is reasonable IMO, more so than Sex and Zen and a Bullet in the Head. I don't always agree with his reviews but I think Charles offers reasonable evaluations. I love HK movies but let's face it: there are many bad ones! I hope Charles does a HKF Sequel and covers movies from 1998 onwards.

Despite boasting one of the worst covers I've seen in quite a while, Charles's book is an essential reference guide for anyone with the slightest interest in the rich cinema of Hong Kong. While I may not always agree with the author's assessments of these films, to have all of these films carefully reviewed along with their cast and crew information is invaluable. Boasting an unbearable cover price and no pretty pictures to distract the less literate (like me), The Hong Kong Filmography isn't perfect but it's darned close. (ISBN: 0786408421)

This book adds both novelty and inspiration to an otherwise dull coffee table or mind. More touristically, this is one of the special books that make you go to the place and find where the interesting buildings not in the travel guides are. The pictures are excellent, not cropping so much as to glamourise rubbish, and not putting things out of context: in short, well edited text and visuals. One note, it has nothing to do with the experience of being in a third world country, but it is for the visual pleasure only.

I own at least a dozen books in which the second word of the Title is "Style", but this is certainly one of the best. Well organized, informative and full of beautiful photographs. Looking through this book you can learn about the Architecture and Design of Myanmar. The book is divided into sections dealing with Religious and Secular Architecture, Early and Modern Architecture and Arts and Crafts. At the end of the book there is a section of Textiles and Costumes, and another entitled the Pagoda Market which shows photographs and gives descriptions of vendors of various types of handicrafts. Thus a cross section of the different aspects of the Myanmar Style are given, without adaptations by Western Interior Decorators. Some "Style" Books are misleading because they show the adaptations, primarily in the West, of Stylistic Elements. While these books are ok, I prefer to see the Style as it actually is in Myanmar, not a Architectural Digest type of interpretation. This book is free from this. The text is concise and informative. Not overloooked should be the quality of the photographs and the paper and printing, which in this case are all excellent. Some other books of this genre are not up to high quality. No worries here however. I highly recommend this book. It will make you want to visit Myanmar, or at least think about redesigning in your home.

Finally, a book on art and design in Myanmar/Burma that does justice to the living traditions as well as the colonial and pre-colonial empires. Superb photography, thoughtful text, and some quirky subjects, too, such as the chapter The Great Pagoda Alley. Enjoyable.

This is the third Prey series book I'm reading and I believe I have hit the best one. I know I've become addicted to the series. It's hard to got to bed at night and just the book down! The dualism in Bekker and Cruze and their cooperation is a stroke of genius. Just out and out excellent storyline and characterization. The more I read about Davenport, the more I really enjoy reading about his life. I think he's a character who really appeals to men, judging from what I read here. But I as a women I find him a breath of fresh air from all other characters within the genre I've read so far (Scarpetta is too self-absorbed and self-congratulating; Alex Cross is fine, if a warm and fuzzy crime-fighting family man is your thing) But I just get a warm feeling reading about Davenport, his way with women, his dark humour, his style and realism. He's got a take-control, almost macho appeal combined with an intelligence and insight that we all wish we could come across in real life. Must admit I have a crush on him, just dying to read and re-read about his further adventures in the Twin Cities.

I was hooked from my very first prey book.I have read them all and can't wait for the next one.I was dissapointed when i read them all and there were no more.I got so caught up in luca's life and need the next book to see if he gets married.He is a very likable character and gets you hooked from the start.It's hard not to like him.I need to read them again.I read only romance until lucas and didn't know i would like murder novels but he changed it all.now i read james patterson too.I couldn't put the books down and became part of them.a must .read the whole series if you read one.

This book scared the hell out of me. It is another win for Sandford. Eyes of Prey will hook from the first page. It was a complete joy to read becuase it was a surpise with each tunn of the page. I have read all the Prey books and if you haven't you are missing one of the best characters in Lucas Davenport. Sandford know how to create a character that make you want to read more about him.

Egils saga relates the life of a prominent Viking/poet, starting with the life of his grandfather. The story takes place primarily in Norway (also Iceland, England) c.900 AD and the precarious relations between the Kings of Norway and Egil's family. This saga captures some detailed scenes of Viking raids, which makes it of some interest, but is the near-true story of an often brutal man, Egil. Even so, he was also known for his poetic compositions and a number of them are included to highlight events in the story. Two translations of each is given, the literal one in the footnotes (which are sometimes better). As with any icelandic sagas, the style must be tolerated which includes a story that is not plot-driven, and trying to keep track of the different characters, (many of whom have the same name). In this version Christime Fell places the footnotes at the end which means you have to flip back a lot. She also places the text in long, unbroken paragraphs and doesn't set apart the dialogue (which is not done in Penguin's translations, although this one sells cheaper). The book contains a short family tree of Egil's family and maps of the regions where the story takes place. Although a work such as this should be widely read, I only gave it a rating of 8 since it can be difficult reading.

Egil Skallagrimsson was a Viking that stood out even in his time. His saga is packed with all the adventure, mystery and magic that one would expect from a viking era story. If you are intrested in Vikings or Viking life Egil's saga is a gateway into that wonderfull world. I highly recomend this for all who are even a little curious, it will spark a passion that you never knew that you had. (Axe and shield not included)

To say the least, this book was great. I didn't think it was as good as the novelization for Return of the Jedi, but still fairly descent. FAR better than the kids' novelization, which I was bored with very quickly. This book fleshed out the story of The Empire Strikes Back, while adding plenty of stuff that wasn't in the movie, and generaly making it a more endearing story. Even so, some of the scenes could have been better written, and it often felt rushed. Now that I've read this though, I wonder why I ever wasted my time with the fifty-three page kids' version. There is nothing in this book I could not have read and comprehended at ten years old, and I probably would have enjoyed it more even then. I wouldn't say that this as essential to all Star Wars fans as the novelizations for A New Hope and Return of the Jedi, but I would recommend it anyway, since it does shed new light on things.

Being that the Empire Strikes Back is my favourite of the Star Wars movies, I just had to read this book. It won't disappoint Star Wars fans, with all of the energy of the movie. I liked how it wasn't a complete adaption of the movie, with different things taking place on Dagobah. I would recommend this book to any science-fiction or fantasy fan.

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK against the rebel alliance! The story takes you from the icy planet of Hoth, to Dagobah, and finally to Bespin! It is a darker story and Luke begins his JEDI training with Master Yoda. This is a great book! Buy it!

Thanks to the many requests of Star Wars fans and radio enthusiasts alike, the team that brought us the radio adaptations of A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, reunited to conclude the original saga. Made exclusively by Highbridge, Return Of The Jedi, once again uses the film's score by John Williams and sound effects by Ben Burtt, to make for a top notch production. By using the actual soundtrack from the film, it gives the audio production crediability, as opposed to being made without it.

Once again, directed by John Madden, Jedi reunites most of the actors from the previous adaptions, with a couple of notable exceptions. Mark Hamill, who reprised his role as Luke Skywalker, for the first 2 productions, is replaced by Joshua Fardon. While, Billy Dee Williams, as rogue Lando Calrissian, is replaced by Arye Gross. As hard as these gentlemen try, because of the original actors previous involvment with the other two radio dramas, its difficult to imagine anyone else in those parts. Fardon's portrayal lacks the maturity of Hamill's character in the film version, Gross comes off, not quite as smooth, in playing Lando. The rest of the main radio cast, from the other two adaptations is thankfully intact. Actors Anthony Daniels, once again as C-3PO, (who has appeard in all 3 radio dramas as well as all of the films in the series) Brock Peters as Vader, Perry King, as Han Solo, Anne Sachs as Princess Leia, all complete their character arcs in the seies with style. Actor Edward Asner as the gangster Jabba The Hutt and John Lithgow as Master Yoda, (as he did in the Empire radio drama) use vocal talent, like no others, to bring these 2 unique characters to life.

Sci-fi author, Brian Daley, once again. wrote the radioplay for Jedi. As before, there are a few additional "scenes" presented, not in the film version. The end result is very good, but thanks to its shorter length, and the casting changes, I mentioned, Jedi doesn't seem quite as epic, as the other radio dramas in the series. Sadly, Daley passed away soon after the dialogue was recorded, and the production is dedicated to his memory. His script is very faithful to the film and the added scenes remain true to the characters and story.

If you own the other two radio dramas in the series, Jedi is a must have, minor problems and all. The story has six episodes, presented on three compact discs with a total running time of nearly 3 hours. Recommended

Return of the Jedi has always been my favorite Star Wars movie, both because I like how all the characters matured, (especially Luke) and because it finally delt face to face with the dark side, possibly the best force of evil ever thought of in the realms of fiction. This book exheeded not only my expectations for the book itself (which were very high) but even surpassed the movie in some ways. The author has a deep, highly emotional writing syle which apealed to me greatly, and was so profound that all through the book I truly felt as if was there, a part of the story. Every Star Wars fan should read this at some point, especially those who didn't like Return of the Jedi because they thought it was weaker than the others. I could almost garantee this book would change their minds. Also, the author did a tremendous job on the characters. Just they way they were presented made me truly feel for them, even characters who were previously not my favorites. At times this book had me sitting on the edge of my seat actually wondering if maybe this time it would turn out differently, and the part where Anakin Skywalker dies almost had me in tears. Anyway, I don't think think this book belongs in any particular age range, though probably some of it (in fact a lot of it) would most likely go over the heads of people younger then twelve or so.

You'll never see me cite one Star Wars movie being better than all the others (at least until Episode III comes out, which I'm convinced has the potential to be the best movie of all time), but as far as the novelizations go, Return of the Jedi is by far my favorite.

If you didn't already know it, there are a handful of important details included within this book that didn't make it into the movie. These details alone are reason enough for all Star Wars fans to read this book. When Episode III finally comes around, you will be able to appreciate it much more having read this book.

However, the true strength of this book is the wonderful portrayal of the characters. So much depth was given to them that it just strengthened all of the reasons why I love Star Wars. And the reason I do love Star Wars is because of the characters. While all the sci-fi stuff is really great, it is the story of these characters that has drawn me into this universe. Reading about Luke flaunting with the Dark Side as he faces against Vader and the Emperor is gut wrenchingly incredible.

This is the third part of a three part story. I recommend reading the first two parts first respectively - the third part is a treat you won't regret.

Naked Prey is the latest of John Sandford's Lucas Davenport series. Davenport has a new job for the governor that sends him off to a remote area of Minnesota to investigate a suspected lynching of a black man and white woman. One unfortunate result of the setting is that few of the regular series characters are in this book, and with one exception, those that appear do so briefly.

Sandford breaks with the formula that has so often served him well in the past -- Davenport versus a killer (who may or may not be identified to the reader) with each making move and counter-move against one another. Here, Davenport actually solves the initial crime early in the book. However, the samll town near the crime scene has a lot of secrets that continue to propel the plot. At times, the characters are driven by mistakes and misunderstandings as to what is actually happening -- which is close to the way things happen in real life. Sandford also has a good feel for Midwestern characters and the way they talk. The dialog is sharp throughout the book.

If you like the Prey series, you will want to read this book. I don't rank it at the top of the series because of some plot holes that occur early in the book. Without giving the plot away, the first killing occurs because the killer has learned the names of his victims from someone else who he has killed before the book has begun. How he found this person, who should have been otherwise unknown to him, is not clear. Also,this person gives him only some but not all of the names of the people he would be looking for -- again, no explanation. However, Sandford keeps the plot moving quickly enough that this problem is quickly forgotten. Too bad that it is a year before another Prey novel comes out.

with another entry in his fine "Prey" series, a group of books centered on Lucas Davenport, "the richest cop in Minnesota" (rich because he also designs video games).

Sandford set the stage for change at the conclusion of his last book, letting the reader percolate on what would be the differences in Lucas when he becomes an active father, and when he leaves the police department for a quasi-bureaucratic governmental position in a new state department headed by his old boss, Rose Marie Roux. Wisely, although Sandford went forward with these changes, the impact was streamlined by having 90% of the book's action happen in rural northern Minnesota, in the fictional small town of Broderick. Family man Lucas still has his best sidekick, Del, gainfully employed with him -- and married or not, he still can spot and appreciate a great looking woman. Some things never change!

The first two murders may be motivated by racial hatred - one victim is black, and his significant other is white...they are found brutally slain and hanging from a barren tree in the frosty Minnesota winter. There's so much odd and unusual "stuff" going on in Broderick, it's difficult for Lucas & Del to pin down the any information about the murders, and the killings continue.

Sandford manages to deftly interweave his social viewpoints -- his lack of respect for the media, his vague unsettlement with the way that federal, state and local authorities sometimes impede each other to solve a case that has generated media attention, and most importantly, his support of a little known grass roots campaign that is quietly smuggling prescription drugs from Canada to US patients who need and can't afford them.
Unlike many other writers of this genre, Sandford can keep both his tale of the crime and his social commentary moving in the same direction -- one does not eclipse or slow down the other.

The book is also notable in that it provides a lot of insight into tribal casinos...a staple of the Minnesota scenery in the last decade. Tribal casinos have changed rural Minnesota in many ways, and Sandford captures this contrast of big city activity with the rural tundra.

The prize of the novel, as many readers have commented, is new character Letty West, who will doubtless appear in future instalments. A precocious 12-year old, Letty's like many rural kids that come from dysfunctional single parent families....in the cities, kids from these homes tend to run with gangs...in the country, they tend to be loners, with old souls. Letty is such a character, and she's the best addition to the series in a long time.

This may not be the finest of Sandford's series, but its darn close! Don't wait for the paperback!

Lucas Davenport is back in John Sandford's continuing series, and fans of the detective won't be disappointed. Davenport now works for a Minnesota state agency, the BCA, under Rose, his old superior from the Minneapolis police department. A murder scene that resembles a lynching is enough to bring in Davenport and his partner Del to invesigate and clean up before a major political crisis can begin. The murder scene is discovered by a very unusual 12 year old girl, Letty West, who talks and acts many years her senior. Davenport enlists Letty's help in his investigation, which revolves around the hanging murders, multiple kidnappings, a car theft ring, and drug smuggling. The individual crimes are linked through several threads that are not apparent at first to Davenport or the several law enforcement groups he is working with on the case.

Davenport's domestic scenes with his wife Weather are kept to a minimum in this yarn, with almost all of the action focused on the crimes. Letty West takes center stage, and she proves more than a match for Davenport. She traps muskrats, totes a rifle, drives pickups, swears a lot, and helps pick up the pace of the book whenever she appears (which is often). There is strong rapport between Davenport and Letty, and the foundations are set for the making of a good team in future editions of the series.

"Sudden Prey" is the latest addition John Sanford's "Prey" novels. This series is known for great stories, suspense, and characters. The lead character of "Sudden Prey" is once again Chief Lucas Davenport of the Minneapolis Police Department. In this story Lucas is once again on the trail of some sadistic serial killers. Their leader is out to avenge the deaths of his sister and wife at the hands of the Minneapolis police. His plan is simple - to kill the loved ones of the police officers involved in the shooting. This is a great addition to the "Prey" series. Lucas is once again very believable in his quest to find the killers. Although "Sudden Prey" will not win any literary achievement awards, it is an exciting book. A great read for the summer.

This is one of my favourites in the Prey series. Two females are shot in a bank robery, and the husband of one of them escapes from prison. Now he wants to get his revenge, but not by taking it out directly on the police officers. He wants them to suffer as he is, and wanting nothing by revenge, he's going after their families...
Sandford is a master of writing about different motives for the killings in all his thrillers. Previously I've read about someone killing because (s)he feels (s)he have to do it, another time I read about a much more dangerous motivation, the profit. In this book, Sudden Prey, the main character, Lucas Davenport, is facing the most simple and purest motivation, which is revenge. But can his killer-instinct, fast thinking and intelligence help him to solve this case?
Sandford has the ability of making you so curious about what will happen, that you simply can't put the book away. You have to finish it right away. And if you enjoy the Prey series, this book is a must. Certainly one his best. A great book also recommended to anyone who loves to read, and those who like thillers.

Lucas Davenport is the detective in charge of the investigation. Davenport's ability to unfold the plot is extraordinary. This time he finds murder is hitting close to home. The action is non-stop and I could not put it down. Davenport finds the motive for the killings are revenge. I loved reading this book, once you start to read you are hooked!