Year: 1993
Director: Ringo Lam & Tsui Hark
Starring: Jackie Chan, Teddy Robin, Maggie Cheung, Nina Li Chi, Kirk Wong
Genre: Comedy/martial arts
Literal title translation: 'Brother Vs Brother'

Jackie Chan plays twins separated at birth and unaware of each others' existence. One has grown up to become a Hong Kong garage attendant and streetfighter, while the other is a renowned concert pianist and conductor raised in the west. When the musical twin arrives in Hong Kong to give a concert, he and his brother inadvertently swap places presenting each of them with challenges that they are ill-equipped to handle.

This film downplays it's action in favour of a more comedic approach. It is actually very funny and some of the situations the twins find themselves in are extremely complex and must have been very hard to film, with Chan playing the part of both brothers. It is Chan who manages to save the film with very convincing performances as both twins (you really do believe there are two people!) Almost every character is in fact a real-life film director and because of this there is too much screen time given to characters who do not need or deserve it. The leading ladies are especially good in their retrospective roles and Nina Li Chi really shines as the posh girl who falls for the streetfighting Chan. The real disappointment is the direction, neither Tsui Hark or Ringo Lam bring any of their usual trademarks to the piece and the film is made in a strictly by the book way. Instead it moves at an incredible pace and the finale (set in a Mitsubishi car testing lab) is very well thought out and funny. It is very far fetched though and shows that this film is primarily aimed at kids.

The special effects here are quite dated and are sometimes quite transparent. The real pleasure is to be gained from the succession of comedy scenes and Chan's performance. Not a classic but it will stick in your memory thanks to the original idea and some hard hitting fights. Chan also delivers some brilliant stunts - jumping over cars and narrowly avoiding head on collisions! Also, see if you can spot John Woo in a cameo as a priest!