Hyper-stylized, sombre gangster drama is, for mine, Johnnie To's best since "A Hero Never Dies" -- not that I'm discounting "The Mission", "Running Out Of Time" or "Election"; I simply enjoyed this pic so much and am still basking in its post-screening radiation.

Stunningly photographed (by Siu-keung Cheng)and directed with deft visual brush strokes, it is the simple story of men cornered by progress and rampant corruption in Macau, a truly stunning setting expertly exploited by To.

Both the quieter character moments and the operatic firestorms are visually and aurally breathtaking. A hospital shoot-out is brilliantly staged and manages to feel fresh in To's capable hands. The musical score, courtesy of Dave Klotz and Guy Zerafa, is a revelation, and coats the film in a thick, exotic resin that enhances every emotion.

The performances are exemplary, and it was so great to see Simon Yam, Anthony Wong and Roy Cheung at the height of their powers. Kudos must also be bestowed on the talented and gorgeous Josie Ho, who makes the most of a subsidiary role.

Other notable sequences include a shoot-out with police in a sunny field, an assault on an apartment complex, and the bloody, audacious climax that caps a real cinematic treat.

I was previously unfamiliar with the work of Chinese director Johnnie To, but it seems he's a man at home in the gangster genre, churning out quirky production after quirky production during a lengthy career. From what I understand, EXILED is a typical example of the director's style. It's a film with a so-so story happy to repeat the gangster clichés without adding anything new by way of plot or interest, one that benefits from the director's assured hand, which adds style to the infrequent action sequences. These are of the 'violent shootout' perfected by John Woo and, even if they do pay homage to gangster flicks of old, they're still fun, with only the minimum of unbelievable moments (what WAS it with that spinning flying door, anyway?).

EXILED is a subtle, slow paced drama for the most part, with interchangeable characters questioning their roles in life. In this respect, I found it similar to a Beat Takeshi film like SONATINE. Most of the actors are good, but they don't get a chance to register, with the exception of the two centrally opposed gangster: we have Anthony Wong as a sunglasses-wearing hit-man and Simon Yam as his vindictive mob boss. Wong, who previously I've known for playing bad guys in the likes of HARD-BOILED, shines as he gets the chance to play a good guy for once, while Yam has fun hamming it up in an outrageous villainous turn.

For the most part, this is watchable rather than entertaining; I spend some parts waiting for something to happen, and other segments finding myself pretty impressed (the late-on raid on a gold shipment is a very well handled moment as is the TRUE ROMANCE-inspired climax). It's not a film I'd watch again, and it doesn't inspire me to seek out more of the director's work, but it isn't bad for what it is.

Is there any chance to get out of a criminal life? Does it matter how deep one has gotten into the criminality? It seems that one has to endure a lot and having a family and/or friends is not the best thing - though it may keep you sane. This starts off quite interestingly, we get thrown into a situation. One that the characters themselves do not like, but order are orders.

Mostly we get to see criminals, the police does not play a big role here, apart from being bystanders at best. A funny side story with one character keeps us occupied all through the movie. But it is the main 6 characters who are in the spotlight. Best friends sort of, but also in odds with and against each other. There are flaws storytelling wise or at least some holes (also communication wise),but the movie works and its action scenes are incredible. Actors are amazing, not just if you know them from other work they've done. Really great movie, not that one would expect otherwise from To