Review of Hard Boiled (1992) by Cameron J — 16 Oct 2011

Whoâ(TM)d have thought that the Chinese could come up with an action film, that makes Dirty Harry look subtle? Actually, come to think of it, whoâ(TM)d have thought that the Chinese could make a film that surpasses Dirty Harry on nearly every level?⦠Not me, until I sat down and watched Hard Boiled, John Woo take a bow.

Essentially Hard Boiled is two hours of hyperbole action and cringe-producing dialogue,itâ(TM)s so fucking entertaining, American and British cinema take note. The story-line is also intriguing, as we follow two cops as they battle mobsters in a variety of environments which Woo manipulates to a tee, itâ(TM)s story not only reminds me of Dirty Harry but its structure and extreme violence is reminiscent of Scarface, trust.

I also enjoyed every aspect of the cinematography, it really is wonderful, if somewhat cheesy. The performances of both leads Yun-Fat Chow and Tony Leung Chiu Wai are brilliant, the screen oozes with chemistry every time the two appear together. For all of you who love a fucking scary-ass villain, Hard Boiled ticks the box in that area also, Mad Dog (Phillip Kwok) is your typical gun-totting assassin, visually he is frightening but John Woo also makes him human (he ultimately betrays his master, when he crosses the line in regards of civilian life), you know just little touches stopped this from feeling, you know, generic.

Final Word: An instant action classic, complete with villains, guns, car chases and hostagesâ¦Oh and babiesâ¦.