A World W/O Thieves

My old DVD copy of the movie that I got from China had become too worn down from overuse for me to watch it so I decided to buy a new DVD. I bought this version only to discover that they cut out 20 minutes of the original movie!!!

When I started the movie I thought the forward button was accidently pressed because it did not open with the scene that I remembered (and trust me I've seen this movie way too many times!). Then when I realized that I had not accidently fast forwarded to the next scene I went to the deleted scenes section and realized that they cut out multiple scenes from the movie, and the beginning of the movie was not even in the list of deleted scenes! Needless to say I was shocked and very upset that they butchered one of my favorite movies!

1) There is only one audio track (Chinese).
2) There are only subtitles in one language (English).
3) It is not HD. You can get YouTube videos in a better quality than this.
4) IMDb states that the film is 113 minutes. The DVD is only 110 minutes including end credits, opening credits and company logos. Obviously something is missing as another reviewer has pointed out.

Good movie, but don't buy the 2004 DVD version.

It is an unusual film. It's not really Jet Li action, it's not Akira Kurosawa great. It's just a pleasant film that draws the viewer in slowly.

Almost two hours long, the film is a bit odd to follow by western standards. If there is an expectation that certain parts of the story will be told in incredible detail, and then magically fast forward or gloss over transitions to the next swarm of details; then the viewer will enjoy this film.

The story is intriguing, a tale of redemption for thieves. The film very slowly reels in the viewer. It does not play by western cinema rules, develop a conflict, build to a climax, and then resolve the conflict. Instead the viewer must live in the moment of the film, accept what is presented and enjoy without detailed context. Action sequences just happen, sometimes with seemingly no reason.

A World Without Thieves has some of the classic choreography of the asian action montage. However, it's done on a more microscopic level. At one point the two people fighting have Dumbo in between them and never show him they are fighting with razor blades. The two blades touch as if they were huge swords. It's a very strange trip down action scene lane.

It takes almost 30 minutes before the characters board a train. Once enclosed in the train, the viewer discovers the train is full of thieves. There is a give and take, an honor among thieves. Dumbo serves as the redeemer. The contests between thieves get larger and larger as the film progresses. But almost in a random fashion.

The cinematography, continuity, editing, exposure, sound, and production are all just barely average. But in many ways, this is some of the charm of this film. It has a grit, dirt to it that fits the story.

It's a long film, that could benefit from probably 15 to 20 minutes of trim. Although the film might not play as well in Asia. This is not a Jackie Chan film, there isn't a lot of humor and the fight scenes are subtle and somewhat subdued. But there is a bit of action.

The film is not rated by the MPAA. However, it is rated 12 and 13 in other parts of the world. There were a few swear words in the subtitles. The violence is more stylized than brutal. There is no nudity. In essence, probably a PG-13 film. Although the MPAA might have gotten all bent out of shape over a brief discussion about abortion late in the film.

The DVD includes deleted scenes, a making of featurette, and trailers for other films.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 6 reviews  3.3 out of 5 stars