Review of A Better Tomorrow (2010) by Khris N — 27 Jun 2009

Classic!

One of John Woo and Tsui Hark's earliest hits, this was when gun fu was becoming what it is. Though it wasn't perfected yet, this was an operatic drama of brotherhood, family, blood and crime, one of premier gangster films. The story revolved around two borthers, Kit, a cop, and Ho, an underworld figure. The older brother, Ho, makes a promise to his father to leave behind his life so that he and Kitwould not cross paths. But when he and his best friend, Mark, are betrayed, he suddenly finds himself in prison, his father killed by an assassin, his life in ruins. When finally released, Kit rejects him and threatens to imprison him and his old gang, disbelieving any attempt to lead an honest life. On the other hand, Kit is also chasing after Shing, who betrayed Ho before, who is know a Kingpin. Reuniting with Mark who was also rejected by the gangs, they set out for revenge and to regain their dignity, and save Kit from being killed.

Simple and straightforward, dont expect the mass of violence and bullets as we are accustomed to in Woo's work... this was the prelude to the masterpieces of The Killer and Hard Boiled - but more storytelling than gun fighting, which is due to Hark's genius in creatvity. The story revolved around the oppurtunity of a second chance, the search for a better life and the importance of family and brotherhood.

This is one of Chow Yun's breathrough roles, a classic figure who's charm and style was a winner on the screen, playing a crippled but deadly gunman.

Watch this if you are a fan of Woo or Hark, or the series or Chow Yun. Or if you just like a good gangster film.