Last night, when i was about to go to sleep, i switched the TV on and was just checking what was on. I turned to one channel and saw the movie "A BETTER TOMORROW" on tv. I was like this is one movie out of Hong kong that is worth watching. I have watched this movie many times and still i like it. A Better Tomorrow is a 1986 Hong Kong action film, which had a profound influence on the Hong Kong movie-making industry, and later on an international scale. It is directed by John Woo (i must say this is among his good films as most films he made for hollywood were suck big times and not even one come close to matching his earlier work). The stars in the movie include Chow Yun-Fat (brilliant performace!!), Ti Lung and the late Leslie Cheung (He looked so young in this movie and did deliver a good performance as well).
A Better Tomorrow depicts mob violence in a romantically surreal fashion. Not only did the movie make Woo and Chow international stars, it started a whole new genre of films which followed its unique style of romanticized violence. Take an example, Quentin Tarantino in his films such as Pulp Fiction. The plot is one that resonates well with audiences, especially in China. Two friends lead a carefree, immoral life, until suddenly it all comes crashing down. The two friends then take different paths, but ultimately they find that they must come together to set things right again. Despite its criminal content, A Better Tomorrow resounds with messages about morality, family, shame, responsibility, and forgiveness.
The film is a standout in a few ways: first and foremost, for the exceptional performance by the actors. In particular, Chow's portrayal of Mark Lee goes through a dramatic transformation from a stylish, cynical crook (Hong Kong teenagers took up the circular-shades-and-duster-jacket look for years) to a shamed, broken man with a dream to regain his dignity. His performance at times elevates the film from a pulp crime story to an emotional quest for understanding and dignity. Secondly, it was the film that introduced most of Asia to the John Woo style, which includes tightly-choreographed violence and gunplay. It contains one of film's all-time great gun battles, one that is similar to a music video in style and concept.
The film is a standout in a few ways: first and foremost, for the exceptional performance by the actors. In particular, Chow's portrayal of Mark Lee goes through a dramatic transformation from a stylish, cynical crook (Hong Kong teenagers took up the circular-shades-and-duster-jacket look for years) to a shamed, broken man with a dream to regain his dignity. His performance at times elevates the film from a pulp crime story to an emotional quest for understanding and dignity. Secondly, it was the film that introduced most of Asia to the John Woo style, which includes tightly-choreographed violence and gunplay. It contains one of film's all-time great gun battles, one that is similar to a music video in style and concept.
Despite this movie has been around like more than 20 years, it is still watchable. I thought i will just watch a little bit and went to sleep, but it made me stay in front of TV and watched the whole movie! Now i am thinking i want to watch the sequel! Will look for it!
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