Movie spotlight
Sweet Is Revenge
Some 40 years ago when warlords rode rough-shod over the Chinese people, circus acrobat Pao Te-cheng took to the hills and began robbing the rich to help the poor. His daring feats earned him the nickname of “The Masked Robber”. Trying to intercept a large sum of money to be turned over to public security chief Cheng Kuan-hsi, he is nearly caught. Partner Hsiao Chung is jubilant over his safe return. But in the government office, chief detective Ma Pu-yun frantically plots his arrest. Ma Chien-li, son of the chief detective, devises a clever trap set for Ma Pu-yun’s birthday party. Among the guests is Huang Tan-ping who is engaged to Doctor David Lee. Ma Chien-li proposes to her without knowing this.
Insights
Plot Summary
A man framed for a murder he didn't commit seeks revenge on those responsible. He devises an elaborate plan, using a series of deceptions and disguises to bring his enemies to justice. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, including a femme fatale and a shrewd detective, who either help or hinder his quest.
Critical Reception
Sweet Is Revenge received a mixed reception from critics upon its release. While some praised its inventive plot and the performances of its lead actors, others found the pacing uneven and the humor sometimes falling flat. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with some enjoying the twists and turns while others found the narrative convoluted.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its intricate, albeit convoluted, plot and a solid performance from Cliff Robertson.
Criticized for inconsistent tone and pacing, which detracts from the overall effectiveness of the mystery.
Some reviewers found the film's attempts at dark humor to be hit-or-miss.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this film, but available comments suggest a mixed reaction. Some viewers appreciated the effort to create a stylish thriller with an unexpected ending, while others found the story to be too predictable or the character motivations unclear.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be a more serious crime drama, but was rewritten to incorporate more comedic elements, which contributed to its somewhat uneven tone.
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