A Hero Never Dies (Chan Sam Ying Hung, 1998)
Milkyway film productions (specifically those directed by Johnnny To) have their own very unique, visual flair--and this film is a beautiful example of this style. A crime drama about the relationship between two rival gangsters, this one has all the elements of the genre you'd expect: angst, betrayal, lots of blood, melodramatic music, and of course, brotherly bonding.
Slash-tastic brotherly bonding.
Leon Lai and Lau Ching-Wan are Jack and Martin. On the surface, they are enemies, yet they hold great respect for each other and believe in treating each other honorably. As events unfold, they are both wounded in Thailand and end up becoming targets of their former employers, who have joined together and now want to eliminate traces of their past. Their girlfriends killed and the pressure building, they end up finding each other again and teaming up to take revenge.
It's all very mesmerizing and the strong performances draw us into a story that's been told a hundred times already--it's a very similar story to "A Better Tomorrow" and other classic Triad films but different enough that it goes beyond being just a loving tribute. If you like lots of angst and long-suffering, tragic heroes, don't miss this film.
SUMMARY:
Overall rating: A- It took a little while for this film to really grab me, but the visuals are haunting and will stay with you long after you've seen the film.
Droolworthiness: B+ Leon Lai is very delicious, as usual. Lau Ching-wan is no pretty boy, but he is captivating in his own intense way.
Slashiness: A- Good shit. Their first scene together at the bar is wonderful slashy goodness.
Action: B+ Classy gunplay -- still not my favorite, but it's as well-filmed as the rest of the movie which makes it more engaging than usual.
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