The Constable is a movie that combines action, drama and thriller genres for a sympathetic slice-of-life portraying the accomplishments and challenges of good-hearted police officer Lam Kwok-kuen. Rather than following one single gripping story line, cineasts get to explore the police officer's daily life. He takes care of police vehicles but also has a talent for resolving tense situations with courage, intellect and speed. In his personal life, he is taking great care of his son Lam Wing-chung who suffers from down syndrome as a single father since the mother abandoned the family. Lam Kwok-huen gets some support from Lin Tsui-yan who develops a caring relationship with Lam Wing-Chun. Personal and professional lives start to collide when Lin Tsui-yan's jealous boyfriend joins a gang that plans on robbing a bank. Lin Tsui-yan reveals those plans to Lam Kwok-kuen after she she has decided to end her toxic relationship with her violent boyfriend. Lam Kwok-kuen decides to intervene personally with his colleagues from the police station to arrest the ruthless robbers.
This movie convinces on several levels. First and foremost, the movie's slow pace and its unusual mixture of action, drama and thriller genres makes it stand out among similar Hong Kong movies that tend to focus on breathtaking special effects and tense story lines. This film also convinces with its realistic vibe, portraying the life of a modest police officer, the daily struggles of people with Down syndrome and the challenges of young adults who have to take drastic decisions to organize changes in their lives. The acting performances in this film are also excellent and one has to underline Li Jinjiang's outstanding incarnation of a young adult suffering from Down syndrome whose beahviour changes from heartfelt affection to saddening opposition in a heartbeat. The film's length is excellent as it clocks in at precisely ninety-six minutes which means that the movie neither cuts any important scenes nor overstays its welcome.
On the negative side, the movie explores numerous different settings and situations but lacks a truly gripping story. Cineasts who are expecting gripping action sequences or a clever scenario might feel disappointed. This movie is most recommended to movie lovers who care about realistic dramas with profound characters. The film's smooth pace might not sit well with certains audiences but it certainly helps fleshing out the different characters very well. This movie entertains and touches while it lasts but might not have much replay value and might fail to leave a deep mark in the long run.
At the end of the day, The Constable is an emotional drama with profound characters in a realistic setting that shows cineasts what life in Hong Kong and Guangdong is like. Regarding its action and thriller elements, this movie is however only of average and even below average quality, respectively. This diversified, empathic and sympathetic slice of life however walks off the beaten path and is remarkably different from usual Hong Kong cinema revolving around the police force. The Constable might need some time to grown on audiences but patient cineasts will be rewarded with a creative film that offers an hour and a half of decent entertainment.
This movie convinces on several levels. First and foremost, the movie's slow pace and its unusual mixture of action, drama and thriller genres makes it stand out among similar Hong Kong movies that tend to focus on breathtaking special effects and tense story lines. This film also convinces with its realistic vibe, portraying the life of a modest police officer, the daily struggles of people with Down syndrome and the challenges of young adults who have to take drastic decisions to organize changes in their lives. The acting performances in this film are also excellent and one has to underline Li Jinjiang's outstanding incarnation of a young adult suffering from Down syndrome whose beahviour changes from heartfelt affection to saddening opposition in a heartbeat. The film's length is excellent as it clocks in at precisely ninety-six minutes which means that the movie neither cuts any important scenes nor overstays its welcome.
On the negative side, the movie explores numerous different settings and situations but lacks a truly gripping story. Cineasts who are expecting gripping action sequences or a clever scenario might feel disappointed. This movie is most recommended to movie lovers who care about realistic dramas with profound characters. The film's smooth pace might not sit well with certains audiences but it certainly helps fleshing out the different characters very well. This movie entertains and touches while it lasts but might not have much replay value and might fail to leave a deep mark in the long run.
At the end of the day, The Constable is an emotional drama with profound characters in a realistic setting that shows cineasts what life in Hong Kong and Guangdong is like. Regarding its action and thriller elements, this movie is however only of average and even below average quality, respectively. This diversified, empathic and sympathetic slice of life however walks off the beaten path and is remarkably different from usual Hong Kong cinema revolving around the police force. The Constable might need some time to grown on audiences but patient cineasts will be rewarded with a creative film that offers an hour and a half of decent entertainment.
