Film Reviews

Ashes to Ashes (1999)

Reviews:

Combines action, black comedy, sex and violence in an offbeat but enjoyable mix.

Author: Mike Leeder (Hong Kong) - Impact Magazine - April 2006

Ashes to Ashes features a pretty complex script weaving several stories and plot points together with some very dark humour and unpredictable twists and turns.

If you're in the mood for an offbeat tale of martial arts, Guy Ritchie'esque gangsters and an entertaining film, then Ashes to Ashes is well worth tracking down.

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Antoniades on show in 'Ashes to Ashes'

Author: Rob Corwell (Ireland) - Irish Fighter

One of just a handful of Kenpo Karate instructors in Britain, 6th dan Athos Antoniades is delighted following the release, on DVD, of 'Ashes to Ashes'.

"It was wonderful to be involved and star in the very first British Kung-fu film ever released (1999) and possibly the first digital feature ever made."

Antoniades choreographed several fight scenes in the film, employing the Kenpo techniques 'Evading the Storm' and 'Flashing Mace'.

The film also stars Vincent Wang, of 'Batman Begins' and 'Shanghai Knights'; Jason Ninh Cao ('Snatch' and Shaolin Wheel of Life') and Hon Ping Tang ('The Fifth Element' and 'Spy Game').

The film boasts a stick fight staged by Wushu Master and Hollywood stuntman Wang, as well as several scenes featuring the use of nunchaku by Trotman himself.

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Kung Fu with an arty London twist in a stylish debut.

Author: Elliot Grove (London, UK) - Raindance Film Festival

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Finally!

Author: Don Tommasino (Chicago, IL USA) - Amazon.com

This review is from: Ashes to Ashes (NTSC version) (DVD)

I'm a fan of rare, obscure action movies. I first came across the trailer for Ashes to Ashes a few years back. From time to time I'd visit the Red Moon website with the hope that news of a US release would be announced. Now, finally it's out on DVD and I have to say it was well worth the wait!

One thing the trailer didn't prepare me for, was the sharp dialogue this movie delivers. In fact, the only time the dialogue loses its edge is when any of the characters are being nice, which isn't very often.

Unlike most movies in this genre, Ashes to Ashes has several unpredictable sub-plots and an interesting mix of dreams and reality making it the type of movie you'd like to see over and over again. It has all the makings of a cult classic: outrageous characters, brilliant music, dark humor, colorful language and a lot of action and suspense.

Featuring brutal street fighting (not your Chinese opera dancing) and set in England, this is a very unusual movie! You'll either love it or hate it. I loved it and so did my buddies!

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Two Words = Literally Amazing!

Author: TheSelfBiasResistor  - IMDb

Now I have seen a lot of independent films in the past, but Ashes To Ashes seriously poos on every single one of them. This is an entertaining kung fu film that mixes action, comedy, sex, and brutal, brutal violence.

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Unique, enjoyable, dares to be different!

 Author: Paul Kelly from United Kingdom - IMDb

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

I thoroughly enjoyed 'Ashes to Ashes'. I wasn't expecting a lot from an ultra-low budget film made back in 1999 but I was pleasantly surprised by how unique this film is. As a tribute to 1970's films and all their clichés and stereotypes 'Ashes to Ashes' is very effective and owes much to the style in which Bruce Lee's 'Return of the Dragon' was shot.

 Trotman's script is quite complex and those casually watching are likely to find themselves lost. The dialogue is entertaining without trying to be constantly funny. The humour is dark and the film takes itself more seriously as it progresses.

Unlike many films of this genre the fight scenes do not involve wire-work or flashy techniques that no self-respecting martial artist would ever use in a real fight. Fights are quick, brutal and realistic. The techniques are not perfect, as one would expect in a perfectly choreographed fantasy. Gabriel Darbeaux is not a super human being with impossible strength and stamina. Anyone who has either seen or been involved in a real fight will understand and appreciate what I'm talking about.

The soundtrack for 'Ashes to Ashes' produced by Trotman is truly excellent and brings an additional edge to the film which was shot in what could be described as a cross between a documentary and a music video. Trotman's name appears frequently in the film's credits fuelling some criticism. Nevertheless he has created a film that is unique, enjoyable, dares to be different and challenges established boundaries in true British tradition.

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Action, drama and a top-notch musical score.

Author: Matthew Bath - Digit Magazine

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Best film of all time.

Author: Dan Davies from United Kingdom

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All-round action: part Tarantino, part Big Boss.

Author: Graeme Aymer - Video Age Magazine