Review of Drug War (2012) by Erick F — 07 Jan 2014

I would have given this movie a higher rating, but I didn't like the tonal shift in the end.

A low level meth manufacturer is captured by police, and offers himself as an informant to bring down his notorious suppliers. What ensues is a crafty and engrossing crime thriller, but subtlety and nuance. The movie goes into full blown action movie mode at the end though, and loses its style and charm by having so much violence that feels a little unnecessary. A simpler ending without all the action would have matched the film's sense of unease and incredible tension. Even with its over the top finale, its still a crackling crime thriller that proves that Johnnie To can still make a solid film.