Not quite lost in translation

A video code mistake resulted in the taping of a marvellous movie " Tortilla Soup", the deja vu was confirmed by the name Lee Ang (or Ang Lee) in the screenplay credits - it's a translation of "Eat Drink Man Woman", though the story is mostly a carbon copy of the original, the latin context gives new zest to familiar plots - great if you like bossa nova and nuevo latino food - want those recipes!

Can't quite say the same for Once a thief - a John Woo translation of the original Chinese movie of the same name starring Chow YunFatt , Leslie Cheung and Cherie Chung, what the hollywood version has in terms of eye candy can't make up for the humour and the action of the original. Despite the lack of technology, the idea of a chunky hero performing the stunts that are the precursor of Tom Cruise's stunts in Mission Impossible ...it's good that it's an action comedy.

Chinese versions of hollywood movies are on the whole tacky except for a version of "My Fair Lady" - the Higgins character is played by the late Anita Mui , a social etiquette instructor and Eliza is played by Chow Yun Fatt as an illegal immigrant from China. Ironically, the songs of the original have become ditties like "Char Shao Bao" (yummy!) and proved to be as popular as the hollywood musical!

can't wait for the next translation!