The Dragon from Russia - Sam Hui (1990) - Park Lane Shoppers Boulevard, Tsim Sha Tsui

Next up is an oldie starring Sam Hui in what is apparently a version of Crying Freeman, although I haven't read the manga, so I can't comment as to how closly it follows the story. In this film, Sam Hui is "Yao", a Manchurian (i.e Northern Chinese) living in Moscow with his girlfriend and adopted family. The leader of the "800 Dragon" assassins sees Yao's potential as a killer and kidnaps him, brainwashes him and trains him as a deadly killer.

One of the odd things about this film is the leader of the 800 Dragons is played by Yuen Tak in a very odd prosthetic face and I wonder if it has anything to do with the initial scenes being filmed on location with Yuen Wah as the character, then perhaps not being able to complete the film once back in Hong Kong? It's very odd because Yuen Tak also turns up later, minus prosthetics, as Yao's equally capable killer assistant.

Anyway, the first scene involves a fight between the 800 Dragon head (Yuen Tak) and his mortal Japanese enemy, Mr Kushida (Lau Shun). It takes place in what looks like a modern temple setting but is actually a rudimentally disguised entrance to Kowloon Park on the Nathan Road side. The famous "fight not fight" hand sculpture (actually, it's called "Please") by sculptor, Van Lau, still located along the "Park Lane Shoppers Boulevard", figures as part of the scenery. I seem to recall it being a donation from the HK Rotary Club.