Review of Flash Point (2007) by Ben K — 21 Aug 2008

This is a pretty good film from Wilson Yip and Donnie Yen, the director and star of SPL. Having said that, it comes nowhere close to reaching SPL's dizzying, hypnotic heights; while that film is fairly streamlined in its intent and it builds constantly towards a compelling place, this film lacks that clarity and focus.

In the first part it tries too hard to mimic Hong Kong crime thrillers like Infernal Affairs, and I don't think that's really Yip's or Yen's strong point. And as much as I adore the ground that Yen walks on, I think his best work as an actor comes about when he's surrounded by strong performers who help bring out his charisma - see SPL, Once Upon A Time In China 2, Iron Monkey, New Dragon Gate Inn, Wing Chun etc - unlike, say, Jackie Chan or Jet Li, who are much more naturally charismatic and don't need to work too hard to tap into it.

However, the film finds its footing and rhythm in the last half hour or so, and the finale and Yen's work in it are spectacular.