In the late ’80s and ’90s, “Girls with Guns” was a popular subgenre in Hong Kong cinema. At times, some of these films would have a subtext that wouldn’t fly today, but there’s something about them that still resonates in a way most other action films can’t. Royal Warriors (1986), Yes Madam (1985), and the one in the spotlight today, She Shoots Straight (1990), are among some of the most popular. Thankfully, we have 88 Films, and its commitment to excellence continues to impress with this particular release.
Inspector Mina Kao (Joyce Godenzi) is a tough Hong Kong police officer whose life becomes increasingly complicated after marrying into a traditional family of fellow law enforcers. While trying to balance duty and domestic expectations, Mina and her colleagues uncover a violent gang led by a ruthless Vietnamese criminal planning a major heist.
When the situation spirals into a deadly confrontation, the gang retaliates, putting Mina’s new family directly in harm’s way. As loyalties are tested and tensions rise within the household, Mina must rely on her training and resolve to protect those she loves and bring the criminals to justice in an explosive final showdown.
When you get a film directed by Corey Yuen (The Transporter) and produced by Sammo Hung (Eastern Condors), you can expect to be thrilled with intense martial arts action. The film doesn’t disappoint.
Joyce Godenzi (Sammo Hung’s then-wife) really knows how to carry a film filled with soap opera-esque drama mixed with high-octane action. The cast is phenomenal with appearances by Sammo himself, Godenzi, Sandra Ng, Carina Lau, Tony Leung, and others. While there are a few uncomfortable moments that just don’t fly these days, you still get goose bumps from the action scenes, and that’s what we are all here for.
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88 Films releases She Shoots Straight in an O-ring slipcase with new artwork by Sean Longmor, a 2K restoration from the original negative, the remastered original Cantonese monaural soundtrack, newly translated English subtitles, an English dub option, an audio commentary with Asian Cinema Expert Frank Djeng, alternate English credits, an image gallery, the original Hong Kong trailer, and a reversible sleeve.
It’s a solid presentation for a terrific piece of ’90s action cinema. With the shootouts, martial arts action, and Goldenzi ripping through a wall of fire on a motorcycle, it’s a must-see. Thanks to 88 Films for finally giving it an official release in North America.
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