This is one of those films that changed the action genre in a myriad of ways. John Woo's trademarks might seem tired today and worn thin but it was something glorious to behold back in the day. The drama also manages to keep you emotionally engaged enough that all the mindless stylized violence actually seems less absurd than it really is. Out of all of Woo's films this one probably holds up the best over time and is still his magnum opus.

Kind of gets a bit pretentious at the end, but yeah, this movie still owns.

John Woo can certainly direct an action sequence like nobody else, but I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the melodrama that tied those action sequences together. Hard-Boiled worked so well because it played to Woo's strength- action sequences- while the plot served only as a means to tie those action sequences together. Here, character relations take precedence over the action, and the pace consequently lags. That said, it's still definitely worth seeing.

Classic.

546

Normally I don't dig action movies that much but this is just plain awesome. It even gets away with its sentimental streak (I found that kind of charming actually) what with all the kinetic masterfully put together blood baths.

#00s(e)#, liked, oldies(2) }*{ #90s#, reviews, dir Woo, C Yun-Fat!

Compelling, over-the-top action flick about a lone assassin faced with irrepressible guilt. Woo's doesn't cut back on slow-mo, heart pumping action while maintining a certain moving finesse; A true, talented and proficient player of this genre. Films such as Leon or The Matrix pretty much owe their existence to films like these. In one word: Awesome.

Woo brings the samurai traditions and heroism of Kurosawa (amongst others that employ the ancient code to film) in his own modern interpretation and adds his own idiosyncratic style, flair and general feel for action. The backbone of the story is loosely based around redemption, honor and friendship (in the sense of brotherhood in battle, and dying for your brother). One of the highlights of this film is Woo's dramatic environments, and his use of layered, often contrasting emotion.

Strong, entertaining action flick with a passable story.

A wonderful film and one of John Woo's best.

It's City Lights with guns and every time there's a gun on screen you are guaranteed an awesome action sequence. This is an incredible movie - I seriously felt like bawling at the end - but it has one fault and that's the fact that I really don't like the Jenny character. I mean, I get it. She's blind. But why does she have to be so goddamned annoying? Otherwise, it's flawless.

Revisited (2)

John Woo knows how to direct an action film, and this is a prime example of the glorious over-the-top ness that represents his hong-kong best.

Great Chinese action movie, one can compare it with a war-movie. I do not know how many people died in this movie. I could not count them.

If you're a fan of the genre action, simply, this film was made for you.

Essential HK action film. The perfect introduction for someone who thinks it's all about hand-to-hand martial arts. Director Woo would go on to do interesting stuff but he hasn't topped this.

Very Great Movie

Couldn't finish it.

The doves are a symbol of peace juxtaposed with the violence of bloodshed!! Get it?? Actually, a pretty thoroughly entertaining, over-the-top action movie.

Perhaps Woo's most indulgent work, it wildly zigs zags between his trademark poetic violence and such corny male-bonding that at times it's impossible not to find it... odd.