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Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Kong Kee) was limited to 2,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
The idyllic, beach-side life of a retired Triad boss, his daughter Lap (Joey Wong) and her boyfriend Rick (Kenny Bee), shatters when a mob favour turns into a bloody shootout. Trading her freedom for her father’s, Lap becomes mistress to Godfather Shen, while Rick goes into exile. Years later, as Shen unknowingly hires Rick as a hitman, Lap sees her chance at escape, while doe-eyed Triad gofer (Tony Leung) completes the doomed quadrangle.
Directed by the foremost stylist of the Hong Kong New Wave (and a mentor to Wong Kar-Wai), My Heart Is That Eternal Rose is the apotheosis of Patrick Tam’s time within the strictures of the Hong Kong mainstream. Fulfilling commercial requirements while elevating formula with a lush sense of style, My Heart Is That Eternal Rose sings with the painterly cinematography of Christopher Doyle and David Chung as Tam’s dream-like direction bridges the distance between the bullet ballets of a John Woo and the festering darkness of a David Lynch. It the blue jewel in the crown of the Hong Kong heroic bloodshed sub-genre, shining bright to this day.
Presented alongside two episodes from celebrated TV series C.I.D. (1976) directed by Patrick Tam; shot by David Chung; written by Joyce Chan.
Season 1, Episode 3 "Two Teddy Girls" Two sisters have taken to random muggings to fuel their independence. Without boyfriends and no longer in touch with their family, Officer Sum (Cheung Lui) struggles to track them down.
Season 1, Episode 14 "Dawn, Noon, Dusk, Night" A rookie cop (Simon Yam) follows up on allegations of child abuse; a jaded officer (Cheung Lui) stakes out buildings for a peeping tom and finds something much darker; a veteran detective (Ho Bik Kin) sadly investiages a violent murder at an old age home; their supervisor (Wong Yuen Sun) struggles to let loose after a long day of being interrogated by the newly formed Independent Commission Against Corruption.
These episodes of C.I.D were originally shot on 16mm reversal film, transferred to betacam in the 2000s and digitized in the early 2010s by Television Broadcasting Company (TVB).
directed by: Patrick Tam starring: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Joey Wang, Kenny Bee, Gordon Liu 1989 / 90 min / 1.78:1 / Cantonese DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
2k Restoration
New Cantonese Audio Restoration (2024)
Mandarin Dub
Interview with John Sham by Arnaud Lanuque (2019, 22 minutes)
C.I.D. Season 1, Episode 3: Two Teddy Girls (1976, 49 minutes)
C.I.D. Season 1, Episode 14: Dawn Noon Dusk Night (1976, 49 minutes)
Interview with actor Simon Yam on C.I.D. (2023, 6 minutes)
Booklet with new interview with Patrick Tam
New artwork by Tom Estrera III
New Limited Edition Slipcover by Kong Kee 江記
Optional English Subtitles
English subtitles
Overall rating: 4.8536587 / 5 from 164 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
My Heart Is That Eternal Rose is a beautifully crafted Blu-ray release, praised for its incredible cinematography, intense action, and remarkable acting. The special features and transfer quality are also highly appreciated by customers, making it a must-have for fans of the Hong Kong heroic bloodshed sub-genre.
"this is an excellent release the bonus features are plentiful and the film is incredible." — Chris Z.
"Incredible forgotten Hong Kong film with incredible cinematography and amazing acting." — Lucas K.
"Gorgeous film, killer performances, and unforgettable neon-noir" — Brady A.
Reviews
Stylish Triad Romance
"Interesting late eighties Hong Kong Triad doomed romance. Great use of neon lighting and beautiful synth score stylize this unique picture. Directed by Patrick Tam, an underrated director that hasn't been talked about enough."
— William G. (5/5)
New Wave HK at its Finest!
"I love these Kani releases, and always look forward to the next one. Great movie, great disc."
— Noah S. (5/5)
Thorns and all
"beautiful slice of heroic bloodshed that looks incredible with this vibrant new transfer. Between the stylish neon visuals and the heartbreaking performances, this is a top-tier release for any fan of 80s Hong Kong cinema."
— Kevin G. (5/5)
A typical Chinese Movie?
"Not really in that it has Joey Wang in it whose screen presence simply dominates the screen. And there is a very young Tony Leung who would go on to be an even bigger star. A decent Blu-ray transfer and nice packaging."
— Carl L. (4/5)
Beautiful story
"Recommended"
— Kamal H. (5/5)
Underrated
"Beautiful movie, underrated heavily"
— Francesco B. (5/5)
Pure Aesthetic Glory
"Tony Leung and a ton of split diopter. What more needs to be said?"
— Kyle K. (5/5)
Great action/love story
"Joey Wang is gorgeous as always and gives a solid performance. The tone is dark and this is one of the most well made action films with a love story since John Woo's The Killer. Both films came out around the same time and I am not going to tell you that this hit me with the same kind of impact as The Killer, this is a very good, well made movie that I would highly recommend."
— Erik G. (4/5)
Cinema at it's finest
"Fantastic art in film and release. Coming of age. Tortured love. Everything you need for a lovely viewing experience."
— Alex B. (5/5)
Gorgeous melodrama
"An absolutely gorgeous movie with stunning cinematography, great acting, and an engaging story. A classic. Great release from Kani including an informative interview with Patrick Tam printed in the booklet."
— Jon B. (5/5)
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