Three

Closest we will ever have of an ER episode directed by De Palma. Such a marvelous collection of casualties and little gestures that make the entire difference -- like a whistle -- in To's opera about control and chaos. That long shooting set-piece -- one that includes every possible emergency situation WHILE cops and thugs shoot each other -- is one of the best of the best moments in the director's career.

It's not the minimalist masterpiece thriller you'd hope from a new Johnnie To movie, but it's got more brilliant ideas than questionable choices, and that buildup to the payoff is the work of a master. It's like he directed this with his left-hand and it still came out good.

after a long built-up that although the characters are stereotypes never really bores because of the slow building tension, this movie climaxes into a long action take that proofs To still is one of the greatest action directors working these days. The use of slomo, blocking, camera movement and color scheme is absolutely superb.

Very unique shootout, but as it its unique it is also confusing as the whole movie.

Johnnie To is starting to forget how to make his formula work, and I would instead recommend his Breaking News, PTU, or Mad Detective.