Another Asian movie from the late 80s where our main character is involved in gang activities, and tries to make life better for his junior peers. Best comparisons are A Better Tomorrow, Violent Cop. To be honest, it should have garnered some additional acclaim but didn’t because of the off-putting incest love story thrown in.
Starring Andy Wong as Wau, a low level enforcer in Hong Kong with 2 subordinates under his wing, the movie goes into detail to explain the contemporary understanding of clout in gang life. Many people don’t understand that this is what drives a majority of inner city violence, not financial transactions or turf wars, making it a concept hard to explain today that was well dissected by the writer/directors.
Additionally, the love story is one of redemption and not realizing when you’ve got a good thing going. Maggie Cheung was at her peak attractiveness in this film. She continued to get roles after the 90s but sort of disappeared (exception: Supercop). She plays the fish out of water very well in all of her films during the era. However, she’s a cousin to the main character making their relationship heavily incestual and the audience doesn’t accept that anywhere.
Other faults I have are the slow-mo scenes during action sequences. Ever since watching Best of the Worst with the McNamara Brothers, I can’t take slow-mo seriously. It’s something where the director is deficient.
In conclusion, worth a watch due to how it relates to modern society but will definitely turn your stomach.
First screened April 28, 2024 on Criterion Collection.
