Bio-Zombie (2000)Some Iraqi agents have brought a bottle of their bio-chemical Lucozade to Hong Kong. After an unfortunate chain of events, the drink causes the occupants of a shopping arcade to become flesh-eating zombies. Locked in with everyone around them turning green, a dwindling band of shopkeepers, led by pirate VCD salesmen Woody Invincible (Jordan Chan) and Crazy Bee (Sam Lee), courageously try to fight their way out. Working around this plot and moving into any gaps, the director has crafted an incredible zombie flick. It may hold some elements of the genre's cliches, but this is amply compensated for with numerous twists and turns and some of the most vibrant and creative camera work as of late. On top of that, there is actually a building depth to the characters (both human and zombie) right up to the end. More and more of each personality is revealed as the plot draws to a close, especially in the touching relationship between store-owner Rolls (Tong Ying Ying), and her lonely sushi boy zombie admirer (Cheung Kam-ching). It's a riot. DVD information: Two endings! And they're both terrific! Included on Mei Ah's DVD is the surprising alternative ending ditched after the test screening. It's a nice, albeit short, bonus. The movie itself is good looking ñ importantly, the transfer has preserved much of the lurid neon of the cinema version that was somewhat dulled-down on VCD. Cantonese and Putongua dialogue is available, as well as three sets of subtitles. The Bio-Zombie trailer is included, as well as a cool Nude Fear trailer and a somewhat misleading spot for James Yuen's Rumble Ages. Update: On later viewings I had a lot of trouble with this disc, with the picture fracturing and eventually freezing. However, I have since learned this is a problem specific to certain Panasonic players -- be careful! |
Credits: Directed by Wilson Yip |
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