THE BRIDE WITH THE WHITE HAIR Review On "Violent Maniac's Cage"

BRIDE WITH THE WHITE HAIR, THE

(1993)

This epic Hong Kong extravaganza from director Ronny Yu provides one of the absolute best viewing pleasures I have ever seen. While their are some amazing displays of filmwork in the Hong Kong cinema, with directors like Ringo Lam, Tsui Hark, and Yuen Woo Ping turning out great film after great film, Ronny Yu seems to have stood out of the pack with this film.

The film has its central character of Cho Yi-Hang (played with much compassion by Leslie Cheung) as one of the top swordsman in the country who is forced to take a deep look into his "clan" and upbringing when he encounter a beautiful "wolf-girl" (again played with much beauty and passion by the striking Brigitte Lin). Actually the story is told in flashback by Cho, and when he was a little boy he was actually saved by the little "wolf-girl" when she attracted the wolves who were about to attack Cho who was in turn saving a lamb. Once he has grown up, he encounters her again when an unexpected birth of a baby prompts the "swordsman" to take action. These early scenes of their meeting set up the film when their two respective "clans" are at odds with each other, yet our two leads are fast falling in love. Their tryst gives each others clan the opportunity to turn on them, going so far to denounce Cho, and have the "wolf-girl" face a torturous final exit from her clan.

The idea of the clans is again based on the time honored tradition of racism and prejudice. The themes are universal, because here you have two people who love each other, only they cannot maintain their love because of their respective families disapproval. Even further probing will show that both of them are orphans, with Cho being raised by the typical "master", and the "wolf-girl" being raised by a hideous Siamese twin brother/sister combo who are demonic to say the least. Even though they both must do their share of mayhem, both are sympathetic to the point that killing disgusts them. That point however is lost when Cho's master is found dead, and the blame is put squarely on the "wolf-girl." When he confronts her as to whether or not she did it, her reply is a deadly serious, "Why don't you believe me?" One cannot stress the serious impact those words have in this film.

For most people the love story would prove fatal, simply because Americans associate "love" in the films with the latest Meg Ryan film. In Hong Kong cinema, love seems to go hand in hand with honor. That is, it is something eternal, and not to be taken away. While the brutal films of John Woo contain honor among the gangsters, here love is key to the understanding of the two young people who must find their destiny.

Ronny Yu provides a showcase for the eyes as well, with many beautiful staged battle scenes, that leave the viewer in awe. The bloodshed is not kept hidden either, with multiple beheading, and violent lashings. The "Bride" of the title makes good use of her hair, especially during the climax where many meet their demise at her deadly hair. The Siamese twins also give us plenty to look at, with their constant demon voices, and their incestuous flirtation that will only have you shaking your head. In fact, the execution of the twins is so bloody, I'll bet more blood is sprayed than the last Halloween, Friday the 13th, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre films combined! So for action and horror fans who may raise their nose at a film like this, go ahead, you don't know what you are missing!

All in all this film is easily one of the standout Hong Kong films of the past few years. While other action films like Full Contact for example are also kick ass, Bride succeeds only because of its deep character study of the two leads. This is why John Woo and Chow Yun-Fat have such success, they both understand the need for great characters. Bride.. will not let you down if you check it out. It is unlike most films you will see in America. Don't , miss this landmark event that probably will not be playing at a theater near you! One of the best...5 Skulls!

Review by: Dave Kosanke

Email: dkosanke@aol.com

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