YES, MADAM! and ROYAL WARRIORS: Two Early Michelle Yeoh Thrillers

YES, MADAM! and ROYAL WARRIORS (Blu-ray)

FROM 88 FILMS

Review by Pepper the Poopy😽

A couple of years ago, both of these films were released as part of 88 Films’ In the Line of Duty boxed set, even though they weren’t initially part of the franchise. Now they’re being reissued individually under their original titles. They are particularly noteworthy for featuring Michelle Yeoh, whose career was just beginning to take off at the time. 

YES, MADAM!

1985 / 93 min

Yes, Madam! gave Yeoh her first starring role, playing Inspector Ng, and also boasts the debut of American martial arts champion Cynthia Rothrock. Together, they’re investigating the murder of their mentor, who had microfilm that could incriminate a powerful Hong Kong businessman. However, it has fallen into the possession of three bumbling petty thieves. Ridiculous but enjoyable, it has a rousing climax that showcases these ladies’ considerable skills. Though not quite as accomplished an actor as she’d someday become, Yeoh’s charisma is already apparent here. Conversely, Rothrock’s physical abilities far outweigh her thespian skills, enough for a lucrative straight-to-video career.

EXTRA KIBBLES

ENGLISH DUBBED VERSION

INTERVIEWS - Individual interviews with Cynthia Rothrock, Michaelle Yeoh & Mang Hoi.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By Frank Djeng

SCENE SPECIFIC COMMENTARIES - By Cynthia Rothrock & Frank Djeng

“BATTLING BABES” - Featurette

ORIGINAL HONG KONG TRAILER

The movie on this flight sucks.

ROYAL WARRIORS

1986 / 96 min

In Royal Warriors, dedicated cop Michelle Yip (Yeoh) is a Japanese Interpol agent. After she and an obnoxious air marshal thwart an airline hijacking, they’re targeted by a group of vicious war veterans who’ve made a pact to avenge the deaths of their friends. This wildly-plotted film features ample gunplay, explosions, fights and a shitload of broken glass. The opening close-quarters clash on-board an airliner is especially impressive and typically over-the-top. Attempts at broad comedy sit uncomfortably alongside scenes of brutal violence, but overall, the movie is a fun ride.

EXTRA KIBBLES

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By Frank Djeng

2 TRAILERS

NEW & CLASSIC ENGLISH DUBS

MISSING AEROPLANE INSERTS

NEW ENGLISH SUBTITLES

REVERSIBLE COVER - With new & original artwork

Neither film is indispensable, but certainly of interest for those with a keen interest in Michelle Yeoh’s early career - long before she became a household name. And since none of the movies in the franchise are related anyway, these individual releases are a decent alternative to the pricier In the Line of Duty boxed set.