Sparrow

Johnnie To is one of the hottest, most stylish directors in Hong Kong. We know this because his “Election” was Quentin Tarantino's favorite movie of 2005. SPARROW is a caper film, more fun than “Ocean's Eleven,” part love letter to the Hong Kong cityscape, part homage to the French New Wave. Kei is the smooth leader of a gang of pickpockets, the master of his universe. One sunny morning as he's cheerfully preparing for another day of crime, a sparrow flutters into his apartment, and he gently sets it free. No sooner have his buddies convinced him it's an evil omen than another sparrow flits into their lives in the form of knockout femme fatale Chun-Lei. This lady appears and vanishes repeatedly, always on the run from something. She has a seductive encounter with each of the boys, toying with their fascination for her. Why is she being followed by goons in suits? Is she a bird in the gilded cage of her sugar daddy, Mr. Fu? The comrades decide to take part in an elaborate ruse that might free her. SPARROW features slow-mo crime sequences that are hilarious, beautifully choreographed, and blissfully free of chopsocky violence. (In Cantonese with English subtitles) – B.B.