Before Broken Arrow hit the silver screen with John Travolta, and Christian Slater, there was this wonderful gem to come out of Hong Kong. Chow Yun Fat, was his absolute best when he starred in this gritty, and action filled segment about the criminal underworld. Two brothers... one a cop, the other brother is part of an organization that deals in counterfeiting, as well as drugs, and weapons. Lung Ti who plays the corrupted prince is betrayed, and sent to prison in Taipei for dealing in counterfeiting by one of his own men behind the curtains. Released after... he decides to try, and patch things up with his younger brother who had graduated from the police academy but things do not go to plan.
Ostracized Sung Tse Ho tries to adapt back into the social status as a cab driver to make an honest living, but the dregs led by the new head of the criminal underworld (Waise Lee) or Shing who had betrayed him wants Ho back into the fold. Marred by his past Sung finally realizes his worth by protecting his brother at all costs by stopping Shing with damming evidence which he hands off to his younger brother. Mark (Chow Yun Fat) helps him regain his dignity through some heavy fire fighting, as well as taking a severe beating by Shing and his gang.
For nineteen eighty six this was one of the most emotional films to date to come out of china. Nearly every movie that does hold a monotonous amount of one dimensional Kung Fu battles or gun fights to outweigh the story line. I found none of that nonsense in this rare movie. Chow, Lung, and Leslie Chung all had great parts to play. A trio in fantastic ranges of acting that made this wonderful tale one of my favourites. It then led on to other films for which Chow Yun Fat became as classic icon using his body style, and gracious persona to coat the silver screen with his incredible talent.
For those who love good cop stories this one is it. Betrayal, deep bonding friendship, corruption, action, and emotional baggage for the more intellectual mind can appreciate in a great story. Ten out of ten stars.
Ostracized Sung Tse Ho tries to adapt back into the social status as a cab driver to make an honest living, but the dregs led by the new head of the criminal underworld (Waise Lee) or Shing who had betrayed him wants Ho back into the fold. Marred by his past Sung finally realizes his worth by protecting his brother at all costs by stopping Shing with damming evidence which he hands off to his younger brother. Mark (Chow Yun Fat) helps him regain his dignity through some heavy fire fighting, as well as taking a severe beating by Shing and his gang.
For nineteen eighty six this was one of the most emotional films to date to come out of china. Nearly every movie that does hold a monotonous amount of one dimensional Kung Fu battles or gun fights to outweigh the story line. I found none of that nonsense in this rare movie. Chow, Lung, and Leslie Chung all had great parts to play. A trio in fantastic ranges of acting that made this wonderful tale one of my favourites. It then led on to other films for which Chow Yun Fat became as classic icon using his body style, and gracious persona to coat the silver screen with his incredible talent.
For those who love good cop stories this one is it. Betrayal, deep bonding friendship, corruption, action, and emotional baggage for the more intellectual mind can appreciate in a great story. Ten out of ten stars.