Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Lady Reporter [aka The Blonde Fury Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 18, 2024

1989’s “Lady Reporter” (a.k.a. “The Blonde Fury,” “Righting Wrongs II: Blonde Fury”) is another step in the Hong Kong cinema exploits of star Cynthia Rothrock. She returns to action duty in a role similar to others she’s played, but, once again, her level of martial arts fury supports an otherwise unsteady endeavor that’s never precise when it comes to storytelling or tone. Director Hoi Mang (who also co-stars in the feature) aims to turn the crime story into a comedy, while the producers desire something harder than laughs, creating a strange, reshoot-laden effort that does exceptionally well when it concentrates on physical confrontations. Attempts at humor nearly ruin the entire viewing experience.

Dak (Ronny Yu) is a gangster with a lot to hide, overseeing a massive counterfeit money operation in Hong Kong, with this endeavor reaching America. The F.B.I. is eager to do something about it, sending San Francisco cop Cindy (Cynthia Rothrock) overseas to investigate the criminal network. Cindy reunites with her friend, Judy (Elizabeth Lee), the daughter of Prosecutor Yu (Roy Chiao), who’s actively looking to put Dak behind bars, preparing a big case against him. Taking a job as a photojournalist for the Asian Post, Cindy hopes to go undetected as she collects evidence, with the newspaper used as a front for Dak. Her plans for secrecy are disrupted by the arrival of Hoi (Hoi Mang), a buffoonish employee for China Daily, and the Undercover Officer (Siu-Ho Chin), a cop also looking to bring Dak to justice. With Prosecutor Yu soon drugged and removed from the court, it’s up to Cindy and her gang to take down Dak, who sends waves of enforcers to prevent the exposure of his criminal deeds.

Counterfeit money and Dak’s criminal organization should be the focus of “Lady Reporter,” as early scenes promise such a law enforcement hunt to bust some villains. This concentration doesn’t last long in the feature, which heads into a few odd directions during the run time. There’s Cindy and her one-scene-long effort to infiltrate the Asian Post newsroom, spending more time with Judy and the hunt to save her father, who’s been drugged, turned into a “He-Man”-loving lump. Hoi is trying to impress his father, the editor of China Daily, always managing to screw things up with his ineptitude. And there’s Undercover Officer, an unnamed character who becomes a major part of the picture during its second half, joining the fight.

Instead of following the Dak situation from beginning to end, “Lady Reporter” gets distracted with humorous asides, mostly involving Hoi and his idiocy. Jokes are fairly lame here, always underscored by cartoonish music, and these bits get weird at times, including an apartment event featuring Cindy, Judy, a bad guy, and a dwelling suddenly filled with rats. “Lady Reporter” doesn’t need such extreme levity, connecting quite powerfully as an action event. Cindy is challenged throughout the feature, putting Rothrock to use with speedy choreography and elaborate physical challenges (she does battle on scaffolding and a cargo net). Conflicts between the enforcers and Cindy are tremendous fun to watch, giving the effort some real hustle and moments of excitement. They also represent a darker appreciation of the central conflict, generating a proper tone of threat as Dak scrambles to get rid of those interested in eliminating him.

There are two versions of “Lady Reporter” included on this release: a Hong Kong Theatrical Version (87:49) and an English Language Export Version (89:57).

Lady Reporter [aka The Blonde Fury Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly restored by Vinegar Syndrome from existing 2K studio masters." Detail is available throughout the viewing experience, examining some skin particulars and fibrous fashion choices. Exteriors remain dimensional as the adventure heads around the city, and interiors maintain depth, also keeping decorative additions open for examination. Color is secure, with brighter primaries on costuming and signage. Stylish lighting is also preserved, delivering cooler hues. Skin tones are natural, and hair color has some emphasis with Rothrock's blondeness. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Lady Reporter [aka The Blonde Fury Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides a straightforward listening event for "Lady Reporter." Dialogue exchanges are intelligible, handling comedic timing and more threatening dramatic choices. Scoring is basic but appreciable, adding synth support. Sound effects are blunt but effective.

Lady Reporter [aka The Blonde Fury Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (14 pages) contains an essay by Francesco Massaccesi.

• Commentary features film historian Frank Djeng (Hong Kong version only).

• "No Mediocre Action" (13:58, HD) is an interview with actress Cythnia Rothrock, who was situated in Hong Kong during the late-1980s, under contract with Golden Harvest, with "Lady Reporter" the first picture. The interviewee recalls her relationship with director Hoi Mang, and notes the lack of a script, learning more about the story as she was making the movie. Action events are analyzed, with the production pushing for a more aggressive endeavor, even keeping Rothrock in heels as she worked with various stuntmen, including one fighter new to the scene, unaware he had to pull his punches. Co-stars are fondly recalled, including Ronny Yu, who would go on the become a successful director. The net fight scene is deconstructed, highlighting the danger of the shoot as Golden Harvest wanted harder action for the effort, bringing in Cory Yuen to get the job done. Rothrock closes with gratitude for Vinegar Syndrome, with their Blu-ray releases allowing the star to reach a new generation of fans.

• "Playing the Villian" (20:46, HD) is a video conference interview with actor Vincent Lyn, who was raised in England, eventually pursuing music and acting, with the latter winning out when he relocated to Hong Kong. After the success of "Tiger Cage," more roles awaited Lyn, who found his way to "Lady Reporter," getting to know co-star Cynthia Rothrock, remaining friends with her to this day. Tales from the shoot are shared, detailing his experience with director Hoi Mang and his interactions with stuntmen and choreographers, pushed to do heavy physical work on the movie, including taking a kick to the groin. Memories of the film's release are offered, with Lyn feeling the glow of stardom. The interviewee closes with his current experience in charity work, focuses on the safety of children in conflict countries.

• Image Gallery (1:13) collects film stills.

• And a Cantonese Theatrical Trailer (2:38, SD) and an English Theatrical Trailer (3:53, SD) are included.

Lady Reporter [aka The Blonde Fury Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Rothrock comes to play in "Lady Reporter," presenting thrilling speed and fury as Cindy takes on aggressors, and there's great fun in watching the cast get thrown around various locations. Most of this intensity was added after the fact, with director Cory Yuen brought in to toughen up the movie, and one can easily spot his contributions as the production doesn't bother to match Rothrock's hair in the reshoots. Such lack of attention adds a semi- slapdash quality to the picture but doesn't diminish its entertainment value. Despite a mishandling of comedy, "Lady Reporter" remains passably engaging, really coming alive when it puts Rothrock front and center, giving her a chance to showcase her martial art skills and natural action hero presence.