
Watches
October 18, 2007
A pivotal film in To's career and often cited as one of his first real highlights. I didn't quite enjoy the film that much, but looking at To's famed crime cinema, it's hard to deny the important role this film has played in the rest of his career. Watch it for its historic value, just be wary that you don't expect a fully fledged To masterpiece.
The plot revolves around an eclectic group of personal bodyguards who are hired by a gang boss. Their mission is to protect the man, even though they have never worked together before. After a somewhat rough start the gang of five begins to learn each person's strengths and friendships and brotherhood start to form.
The structure of the film is pretty odd. The titular mission takes up the first 60 minutes, which is followed by a half hour long epilogue. The cinematography is promising, the cast is solid, and the action is stylish, though a little subdued. The score is quite weak and the mix of crime and drama didn't really work for me either. To would make good on the potential on display here in later films, so for that reason alone this is worth seeing.
More by the director
Johnnie To

Sparrow

Exiled

Mad Detective

Flying Butterfly

Turn Left Turn Right

Election 2

Vengeance

PTU

Throw Down

Triangle

Drug War

Fulltime Killer

Blind Detective

A Hero Never Dies

Breaking News

Chasing Dream

Don't Go Breaking My Heart

Help!!!

High Altitude of Love II

Justice, My Foot

Life without Principle

Loving You

Office

Running Out of Time

The Longest Nite

The Mad Monk

Three

Where a Good Man Goes

Yesterday Once More

1:99 Shorts

Casino Raiders II

Election

Fat Choi Spirit

Heroic Trio 2: Executioners

Love on a Diet

Lucky Encounter

My Left Eye Sees Ghosts

Needing You

Running on Karma

Running Out of Time 2

The Barefoot Kid

Wu Yen

A Moment of Romance III

Don't Go Breaking My Heart 2

The Fun, the Luck & the Tycoon

The Heroic Trio

The Royal Scoundrel

All about Ah-Long

Love for All Seasons

The Enigmatic Case

The Story of My Son

Fireline

Happy Ghost III

The Eighth Happiness

Seven Years Itch
