The film opens in Thailand, where Triad member Jack (Leon Lai) lets off some steam as he shoots up bowls of fruit and a fortune teller. Afterwards, he steps outside to take a pee, joined by his teammates as big, sweeping music ascends, accompanied by the usual, beautiful, Johnnie To cinematography!
You can't help but smile at some of the over-dramatic moments in A Hero Never Dies. Either the music is just too much for what's going on, or the cast really milk their screen time with some cheesy posing or slow-motion cigar lighting...
There is definitely a hint of dark comedy stretched throughout this heroic bloodshed Milkyway production - from the tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the main characters, to their lines and overall situation of using a barman at their local club, as their middle-man for passing messages to each other (like a married couple bickering, and a child caught in the middle). One extended scene of them trying to enjoy a glass of wine, while they each try to destroy one another's glass, is a prime example. Wonderfully shot, beautifully lit - but just ridiculous at the same time in a fun way.
It took me a couple of watches to enjoy A Hero Never Dies. I think a nice clean Bluray HD version would help! While it has plenty going on in its first 20 minutes, including a number of gun-fights and a darkly funny decapitation by a car door; it still feels slow. But do stick with it as the pace eventually picks up!
Leon Lai does great as the moody Jack, but it has to be Lau Ching Wan who really steals the show as Martin, with his pencil moustache, cowboy hat, and outrageous outfits. Both are great hitmen, and while they are secretly best friends and deliver some funny moments, they each are ruthless when it comes to taking down the enemy or pointing their gun.
Martial arts star and villain, Yen Shi Kwan (Fearless Hyena; Once Upon A Time In China) plays Jack's boss and Triad leader, Mr. Yam, with the great Henry Fong (Shinjuku Incident; So Close) playing Martin's boss. Johnnie To regular, Lam Suet, is present of course as are a host of other recognisable faces...
By the half-way mark, the film takes a dark turn in true Hong Kong style with Johnnie To turning things up a notch, which results in some great drama, gun-play, and heroic bloodshed action. A stylish, beautifully shot film with great performances and violent action that is well worth the watch!
Overall: If you loved A Better Tomorrow, you will love this!!
You can't help but smile at some of the over-dramatic moments in A Hero Never Dies. Either the music is just too much for what's going on, or the cast really milk their screen time with some cheesy posing or slow-motion cigar lighting...
There is definitely a hint of dark comedy stretched throughout this heroic bloodshed Milkyway production - from the tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the main characters, to their lines and overall situation of using a barman at their local club, as their middle-man for passing messages to each other (like a married couple bickering, and a child caught in the middle). One extended scene of them trying to enjoy a glass of wine, while they each try to destroy one another's glass, is a prime example. Wonderfully shot, beautifully lit - but just ridiculous at the same time in a fun way.
It took me a couple of watches to enjoy A Hero Never Dies. I think a nice clean Bluray HD version would help! While it has plenty going on in its first 20 minutes, including a number of gun-fights and a darkly funny decapitation by a car door; it still feels slow. But do stick with it as the pace eventually picks up!
Leon Lai does great as the moody Jack, but it has to be Lau Ching Wan who really steals the show as Martin, with his pencil moustache, cowboy hat, and outrageous outfits. Both are great hitmen, and while they are secretly best friends and deliver some funny moments, they each are ruthless when it comes to taking down the enemy or pointing their gun.
Martial arts star and villain, Yen Shi Kwan (Fearless Hyena; Once Upon A Time In China) plays Jack's boss and Triad leader, Mr. Yam, with the great Henry Fong (Shinjuku Incident; So Close) playing Martin's boss. Johnnie To regular, Lam Suet, is present of course as are a host of other recognisable faces...
By the half-way mark, the film takes a dark turn in true Hong Kong style with Johnnie To turning things up a notch, which results in some great drama, gun-play, and heroic bloodshed action. A stylish, beautifully shot film with great performances and violent action that is well worth the watch!
Overall: If you loved A Better Tomorrow, you will love this!!