Is The Notorious Frame-up Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1978)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Crime, Action, Drama cinema, the 1978 release of The Notorious Frame-up stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Wang, a womanising businessman miles away from home, makes it a sport to seduce young women. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime, Action, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Wang, a womanising businessman miles away from home, makes it a sport to seduce young women. After one of his conquests got pregnant with his child and died after the abortion, one after another of his lovers are found murdered. It is only when he is arrested and convicted for these crimes that he finds himself embroiled in a plot of revenge. Based on the work of Japanese novelist Togawa Masako which was previously adapted by director Nakahira Kō into The Hunter’s Diary (1964 in Japan) and the Hong Kong version Diary of a Lady-killer (1969), Ho Fan’s remake, his third film for Shaw Brothers as director, is a stylistic tour de force and a more authentic rendering than the 1969 version, grippingly suspenseful and provocative with clever shots, dark humour, and sophisticated treatment of contemporary attitudes about sexual liberation, exploring the conflicts over human nature and desire. (By Reel to Reel Institute)"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Si Wai provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Ho Fan is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 92 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Notorious Frame-up truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Crime, Action, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2.7/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Notorious Frame-up explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 1978 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ho Fan respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Notorious Frame-up is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Si Wai or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Notorious Frame-up is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.