The new film from the man who pretty much launched the careers of Jet Li, John Woo *and* Chow Yun-Fat (pretty damn impressive resumé) and Tsui Hark returns with a vengeance. A *very* interesting and intricate film, with masterful performances by Nicholas Tse and Wu Bai.

The one major issue with this film: a very tight plot, but horrible transition. The film was all over the place, and any lax viewer will get easily lost. The explanations are few, and one really has to pay attention to grab necessary details - a difficult endeavour considering the rapid shots and fast pace.

The cinematography is really brilliant, though. Some of the shots were magnificent, and very creative, especially the scene at the apartment complex.

Here's one quick question to ask, though: who the heck was that old chinese sniper apparently working with the Angels?? Just curious, as he keeps popping up with no apparent introduction or purpose...

Anyhow, this film had me talking for days about how good it was, it's definitely worth watching. A must see for any HK action fan. If it wasn't for the sloppy transition and need for a bit of clarity, it could easily have been a perfect ten. 8/10.

Another ultra-stylish action thriller from Tsui Hark, very much in the style of the two previous Hollywood films he'd made, DOUBLE TEAM and KNOCK OFF. And sadly, I found this one just as mannered and overhyped. The story, about the parallels between a bodyguard and a hitman and the friendship that develops between them, is serviceable enough, but it's in the direction that this falls down. If a Woo or a Lam had directed then I would have really enjoyed this; as it is, it feels so-so. Hark's editing is all over the place and his action scenes are thoroughly confused, so that you'll be puzzled rather than wowed. It's a shame as some of the set-pieces, such as the tenement block showdown, are extensive and forceful.

A testament to what Tsui Hark is capable of. Of course for some that might not be enough, but people would wish he would make movies like that in Hollywood ... or every so often when he goes back to HK from time to time!

With a strong cast (including Nicolas Tse, Anthony Wong etc.) for a story that is thin, but supports the action in a good way. We don't have to discuss the action scenes here, either you like the way they shoot them in HK or you're more a Hollywood kind of guy (although if you're the latter, than you shouldn't watch this movie) ... Although this movie can not be compared to his classics, it's a shame that since Time & Tide Hark, has not delivered another movie that could match (or be better than) this one ...

Edit: he probably has delivered since - and the variety of how the stunts are shot (from realistic to way over the top) is quite something. What I only realized from rewatching the other day: all the John Woo references. Which are surely meant more as a love letter than the opposite (even if doves don't cry or really fly that much). One of the lesser known Hark movies, but surely one of the better ones too.