Asian Cult Cinema by Thomas Weisser Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Asian Cult Cinema
Book Review: Not enough research
Summary: 1 Stars
Weisser's expertise has been in question since long before this book appeared in 1997. Other reviewers here note that it has mistakes, but they really underrepresent the sheer volume of errors in the book which, shockingly, is still in print to this day, even as better volumes have long since supplanted it as a reference work. Shameful that it's still out there, what with it's incorrect and inconsistently spelled names, mistitlings, spoilers and plot synopses that make it all too painfully clear that Weisser and his contributors have not actually watched literally dozens of the films included in the book. Please save your money.Book Review: Not recommended.
Summary: 2 Stars
I would not recommend this book to someone looking for a balanced introductory guide to Hong Kong films. For one, there are a lot of factual errors. Titles, release years, stars, and plots are often mixed up and inaccurate. The author also seems to have a "more exploitative & trashy, the better" attitude--so maybe if your idea of an excellent film is the kind that would be perfect on "Mystery Science Theater 3000", you would like this book. Lots of great films are omitted, and his personal bias against some stars (like Chow Sing Chi) totally color his reviews. Don't get this one unless you're a completist for volumes on HK cinema and already have much better books like "Hollywood East".Book Review: Sloppy and error filled book.
Summary: 1 Stars
Asian Cult Cinema is a bad book. The reviews are flawed and the information is either flat out wrong or badly researched. The movie synopises are down right absmal
and headache inducing. I bought a copy of this book back in 1997. After reading it and doing my own research I sent the writer a huge list of corrections. I recieved a postcard with a note of acknowledgement. A few years later it was reprinted with the same errors.
Instead of buying this book go out and get a copy of Hong Kong Babylon. At least the writers went out and did their homework and put some time and effort into it. A.C.C. is flat out aweful. I would avoid it like the plague. Even the pictures are mislabeled. At his website he charges high prices for videos that are availible elsewhere. You even have to be a member just to purchase these videos. For shame.
Don't even think about it!
Book Review: That's all a bit harsh, it's not THAT bad!
Summary: 3 Stars
Being an obcessive fan and collector of HK film, I too found plenty of errors in this text. And yes, he does review almost completely on his own opinion...however, isn't that his right? Isn't that what a review is? I can't think of any other film guide that isn't just as opinionated. Has anyone ever read Leon Maltin's video guide? Just because you don't agree with his opinion doesn't mean he's being overly subjective. Anyways, the errors can be quite frustrating, but the book is still worthwhile. The amount of films he covers in the text is vast and he should be commended for going beyond the usual overview of mainstream HK cinema usually found in books of this sort. Previous reviewers have compared this book to other similar texts...such as Sex and Zen and a Bullet in the Head. While it may be better written and contain less errors, Sex and Zen... is just as opinionated and, I would say, covers only about half of what Weisser's does. Quanity vs. quality; it just depends on what you are looking for. To summarize, it's really not that bad. And since most people see HK film as either Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, or generic Chinese guys jumping around, you should at least give the guy credit for trying to serve the genre's true fans.Book Review: The Worst Film Reference Book Ever - Bar None
Summary: 1 Stars
The heading says it all. Packed with literally hundreds of errors and written on the level of a sexually obsessed ten year old, this is one dreadful book. The fact that this was published by a major house is a sad statement indeed. Avoid!