Simon Yam is easily the most versatile actor in
HK. He can be incredibly smooth and charismatic as in A Bullet in the Head
or vicious beyond belief as in Dr Lamb. But like Michael Caine, Yam can
be justly accused of taking just about any work for a paycheck. He has
acted in nearly one hundred films. So he has shown up in a lot of really
bad films - sometimes only for a few minutes - but even in these he classes
up the screen with the style he always brings with him.
Bullet in the Head - He is not one of the
three main characters, but as a CIA agent in war torn Saigon, I thought
he stole the show. I came away from that film thinking who was that guy
and why isn’t he a major star. He just exudes charisma in this film.
Police Confidential - In this edgy Kirk
Wong production, Yam plays a slightly bent cop, who is framed for murder
and embezzlement. He is terrific as he fights against the powers that be.
Scarred Memory - A masterful performance
here as Yam plays an ex-triad thug who has been beaten so badly that he
is now a bit of a simpleton. With the help of the delicious Veronica Yip,
he regains his mental health and finds his humanity.
Full Contact - Yam’s most flamboyant role
as he plays a vicious homosexual killer to the hilt and seems to be enjoying
every moment of it especially when he coos to Chow Yun Fat “You’re
the one I admire most. What a pity I can’t sleep with you. You are so cruel.
I want to die with you”.
Naked Killer - it’s tough sharing the screen
with hot as a poached egg Chingmy Yau, but Simon almost keeps his own in
this classic film. He is a cop who is as impotent with a gun as with a
woman until the sight of Chingmy recharges his batteries of lust.
Casino - Yam plays the top triad leader
on the island of Macao - from his beginnings to his arrest. The film itself
gets a bit tiresome in it's recurring violence, but Yam puts in an excellent
charming yet deadly performance.
Bullet for Hire - Yam is an old fashioned
hitman in this small but enjoyable tale of loyalty and honor.
Crystal Fortune Run - in this slight high
spirited stylish action tale, Yam is just an ordinary booze drinking cop
being buffeted between heroines Anita Yuen and Man Cheung. Fun little film
to try and follow.
Gigolo and Whore - Simon has played a gigolo
in a number of films. His sleek looks and classy personality make this
a natural fit. In this one he teaches Carina Lau to be the perfect prostitute.
