So Close DVD | 夕陽天使 (Xi Yang Tian Shi) (2002)

So Close (2002), also known by its original Chinese title 夕陽天使 and the romanized title Xi Yang Tian Shi, is a stylish Hong Kong action thriller directed by renowned action filmmaker Corey Yuen and starring Shu Qi, Zhao Wei, and Karen Mok. Blending martial arts, gunplay, high-tech espionage, crime, romance, and spectacular stunt work, So Close is a standout example of the modern Hong Kong girls-with-guns action style.

STORY OVERVIEW

Sisters Lynn and Sue are highly skilled professional thieves and assassins who use their extraordinary computer and combat abilities to carry out dangerous assignments. Lynn, played by Shu Qi, handles the physical side of their missions, while Sue, played by Zhao Wei, is the computer expert who provides the technological support.

After the sisters successfully assassinate the chairman of a major company, they attract the attention of police detective Hong Yat Hong, played by Karen Mok. Hong begins pursuing the women, but the situation changes when a powerful enemy turns against the sisters and puts all three women in danger.

What follows is a fast-moving battle involving professional assassins, police, computer technology, international criminals, and some of Hong Kong cinema's most stylish female action characters.

MARTIAL ARTS & ACTION HIGHLIGHTS

So Close combines traditional Hong Kong action choreography with modern gunplay, high-tech espionage, elaborate stunt work, and hand-to-hand combat. The film was directed by Corey Yuen, one of Hong Kong cinema's most respected action choreographers, whose work gives the movie its distinctive combination of martial arts and spectacular physical action.

The three leading women are central to the film's action. Shu Qi and Zhao Wei portray highly trained sisters who move effortlessly between firearms, hand-to-hand combat, acrobatics, and elaborate escape sequences, while Karen Mok brings a strong police-action presence to the story.

The result is a polished early-2000s Hong Kong action film that combines the girls-with-guns tradition with contemporary technology and international crime-thriller elements.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

So Close is especially appealing to collectors of Shu Qi movies, Hong Kong action films, female-led martial arts movies, and stylish Asian crime thrillers. The combination of Shu Qi, Zhao Wei, and Karen Mok gives the film a memorable three-woman action team, while Corey Yuen's direction delivers the fast-paced choreography and stunt sequences Hong Kong action fans expect.

The movie also represents an important period in Hong Kong cinema when filmmakers were combining classic martial arts choreography with modern technology, international settings, computer espionage, firearms, and increasingly elaborate action sequences.

HONG KONG GIRLS-WITH-GUNS ACTION

So Close is frequently associated with the Hong Kong girls-with-guns tradition, but it updates that style for the early 2000s with computer hacking, high-tech surveillance, professional assassins, and sophisticated international crime. The film's three female leads remain at the center of the action, making it an excellent choice for fans of female-led Hong Kong martial arts and action cinema.

For collectors, the film is also notable for bringing together three major Asian actresses at different stages of their careers: Shu Qi, Zhao Wei, and Karen Mok. Their chemistry and contrasting characters are an important part of the movie's appeal.

• Verified A.K.A.s:
  • So Close – International English title
  • 夕陽天使 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 夕阳天使 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Xi Yang Tian Shi – Mandarin romanization
  • Chik Yeung Tin Si – Cantonese romanization
  • Virtual Weapon – Alternate English title
• Director: Corey Yuen
• Writer: Jeffrey Lau
• Starring: Shu Qi, Zhao Wei, Karen Mok, Song Seung-heon, Yasuaki Kurata, Deric Wan, Michael Wai, Sau Sek
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Action, Martial Arts, Crime, Thriller, Romance
• Martial Arts Focus: Hong Kong Martial Arts, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Girls-with-Guns Action, Gunplay, Stunt Action
• Format: DVD
• Language: Chinese / English
• Video: NTSC, 16:9 Widescreen
• Audio: Dolby Digital, Stereo
• Running Time: 90 Minutes (DVD Edition)
• Release Year: 2002

Carefully researched and prepared for collectors of classic martial arts and Hong Kong action cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.