High Road to China (1983)

Director: Brian G. Hutton

Starring: Tom Selleck, Bess Armstrong, Jack Weston

During WW1, an alcoholic American biplane pilot is hired by the spoiled daughter of an industrialist to find her father who disappeared in Asia.

It’s actually so sad to think they don’t make movies like this anymore. ‘High Road to China’ is an enjoyable action adventure comedy in the vein of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, blending these genres to perfection. The premise is simple, without complicated issues or shocking twists – which seem to be the norm nowadays.

I always find films before CGI to be better film making. Given the fact that actors were shot on location as opposed to a studio with almost everything being added in post-production, I also found the acting to be more natural and realistic.

Romance between the lead characters is predictable and inevitable, but in this instance the chemistry between Patrick O’Malley (Tom Selleck) and Eve (Bess Amtrong) was so endearing (and even funny) that I was hoping for it, and enjoyed it.

The film offers a good dose of humor, action and adventure in equal proportions, and the climatic finale is action-packed and simply put fantastic! I really enjoyed this!

‘High Road to China’ was nominated for Best Fantasy Film, and Best Actress.

Would I watch it again? Hell, yeah!