Tokyo Raiders is a delightful introduction to Japan’s capital. It follows three Chinese characters involved in spywork, while they take a fun romp through the city. Directed by Jingle Ma, who involves himself in cinematography this time with Chi Ying Chan, Tokyo Raiders was a major box-office hit in Hong Kong when released in year 2000. It went straight to video in the US. This adrenalised light-hearted action flick will appeal to male and female viewers, as there is martial arts action and fashion eye candy. Though its plot is thin, Tokyo Raiders bubbles thanks to fun camaraderie between three talented actors and an easy-to-follow emotional arc.
Trendy Japan in Tokyo Raiders
Tokyo Raiders opens with a bang, and its neo-Japan style is immediately apparent. The city’s hustle-bustle, flashes of faddish platform boots, gaudy advertisements among corporate greys provide a keen picture of the city. Special agent Lin (played by Tony Leung) wears a coat-load of spy gear and is attacked by Japanese yakuza. What makes Tokyo Raiders such fun is how film editing captures pop culture in Japan. Quick shots sandwiched between slow-motion takes closely mirror three actors’ emotional journeys.
Grey shades enhance the post-modern feel. Though product placements usually irritate, Jingle Ma and editor Kwong Chi Leung forge a style that successfully incorporates these. Every gadget Lin shows off looks cool – owing to Tony Leung’s relaxed charm – and this gadget fetish makes consumerism appear attractive. Japanese commercial goods like MP3 players, ramen noodles and cars become the cinematography. Tokyo Raiders also suggests chic places to go, like Myth Café and Rainbow Bridge Club, in this Tokyo ‘fun tour’.
Ailen Sit's Martial Arts Choreography
Tokyo Raiders brims with fights. When Macy’s (Kelly Chen) Japanese fiancé Takahashi (Tôru Nakamura) misses their wedding, she flies to Tokyo to look for him. Interior decorator Yung ( Ekin Cheng) follows Macy on the pretext of chasing payment. They find Takahashi’s flat empty, and find themselves in a fight when Japanese mafia appear. Nominated in Hong Kong’s 2001 Film Awards for Best Action Choreography, Ailen Sit creates brilliant fight choreography for Tokyo Raiders. There is plenty of variety: Lin arms himself with gadgets, while Yung uses fists, high kicks and household items. Bird’s eye views, low-angled shots and Spanish music keep energy roller-coaster high. Actors Tony Leung and Ekin Cheng do a lot of stunts themselves, so even their faked fighting looks impressive.
Kelly Chen as Macy in Tokyo Raiders
Macy’s love story contrasts nicely with the action. Macy and Yung meet Lin, who tells them Takahashi is a CIA agent circulating counterfeit Yens. Macy is heart-broken to learn Takahashi has eloped with gang boss Ito’s (Hiroshi Abe) mistress. Her love story meanders through this maze of spy games, where no one is who they seem. Attractive Kelly Chen plays Macy with the lightest touch, as the camera pans panorama to gentle romantic tunes. Her drool-worthy fashion choices exemplify Japan as a fashion empire. Whether cow skin, patchwork skirt, or lace with suede – Kelly Chen pours class into every quirky outfit. Viewers will also welcome Cecilia Cheung’s brief but memorable cameo as Lin’s feisty right-hand girl Saori.
Tony Leung, Ekin Cheng & Japanese Cast
Tony Leung Chiu Wai shows his comedy chops in Tokyo Raiders, bouncing off an athletic Ekin Cheng, whose role is the talkative, annoying Yung. Outside fight scenes, banter and physical humour are aplenty when both men vie for Macy’s attention. The Japanese cast puts in good performances too, especially Hiroshi Abe, whose ganglord portrayal injects unexpected pathos. Tokyo Raiders is a light-hearted action movie which will go down easily with most.
Sources:
- The 20th Hong Kong Film Award Nominations. Lu Pin, Chinese Movie Database Blog dianying.com, 7 March, 2001.
- Tokyo Raiders: 2000. Ross Chen, LoveHKFilm.com, 2002-2009.
- Dong jing gong lüe (Tokyo Raiders: International English title)
- Director: Jingle Ma
- Writers: Susan Chan, Felix Chong
- Actors: Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Ekin Cheng, Kelly Chen, Cecilia Cheung, Tôru Nakamura Hiroshi Abe, Yûko Moriyama
- Running time: 118 minutes (China)
Lynette S.K. Webster - Copywriter turned Freelance Writer Copywriter for 4 years in Singapore, writing radio, print, TV and recruitment ads for national radio ...
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