Review of Chinese Odyssey 2002

Introduction

I suppose I had better dispense with the bad news first. The IMDB states that Chinese Odyssey 2002 is a Cantonese language film that runs for 97 minutes. The version that Tartan present on this release is the Mandarin version that runs for 86 minutes, and contrary to the cover art, there is no DTS soundtrack. The difference in language isn`t that problematic as the film was shot with a multilingual cast. It just so happens that those actors who were dubbed in the Cantonese version aren`t dubbed in this one, and vice versa. The cuts are more problematic. Even taking into account the PAL speed up, some seven minutes appear to have been excised from this release. I haven`t seen the original release so I cannot comment on what has been cut, but looking around at other websites indicates that this is a contentious issue.

It`s stifling being royalty, so the young Emperor Zheng De and his sister the Princess Wushuang make a pact to escape the confines of the palace and the strict Dowager Empress. In the event however, only the Princess is able to escape. Disguising herself as a man to make her way, she strides forth into the world. It isn`t long before a pickpocket liberates her of her purse. Fortunately she is able to find succour in a small village, where brother and sister Li Yilong and Phoenix run a restaurant. Li Yilong is taken with this stranger, and soon decides that he would be a perfect match for his sister, who is happy to agree. The princess, still in disguise is falling in love with Li Yilong though. This curious triangle can only get more confusing when the Emperor on the pretext of looking for his sister, leaves the palace and comes to the village, only to be himself smitten with Phoenix. Will love conquer all in the end, or will tradition get in the way?

Video

A 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer is actually quite impressive. The image is clear and sharp throughout. The only negative aspects I could see were some jarring moments of print damage, and a couple of jumpy frames. The cinematography is quite gorgeous, with some glorious locations used to make this film look quite beautiful at times.

Audio

As mentioned, the soundtrack is in Mandarin; also it is a simple DD 2.0 track. As such it could best be described as adequate, but little more. Naturally English subtitles are provided.

Features

Tartan have only provided a Trailer reel. 2046, My Architect, Super Size Me, and In The Mood For Love are showcased.

Conclusion

Chinese Odyssey 2002 was a film that I enjoyed from beginning to end, a classic comedy of errors transposed to the medium of Hong Kong cinema, and invested with a heavy dose of wit and pace. Perhaps it is a blessing that I haven`t seen the original film, as I could hardly complain about cuts that I am not even aware of. The whole film is infused with a sense of irreverence, and it happily spoofs genres and styles with abandon, throwing in the occasional anachronism too. At times it even resorts to surrealism and slapstick, and seems little different from a live action cartoon.

Yet all through this general silliness, Chinese Odyssey 2002 manages to retain sight of the story and a sense of heart, mainly through four sympathetic performances from the lead actors. While the film is full of in jokes and winks to the audience, the cast play it straight for the most part, keeping to the truth of the characters, and it`s easy to relate to their dilemmas because of this. It`s only when Chen Chang as the Emperor dons an Afro wig that the sense of the absurd becomes overwhelming.

For the most part though, Chinese Odyssey 2002 is enjoyable and fun. It kept my attention, even though I watched it in the early hours. I`d have no problem recommending this disc if you are looking to rent. But purchasers should be aware that while the image is impressive, in all other aspects this disc fails to do the film justice, lacking extras and a surround track. More to the point, this isn`t the Cantonese version of the film, and it is cut to boot. It may be worth importing instead.