A Better Tomorrow

This is the first film by John Woo that truly brought him into the spotlight and made him synonymous with a director who can create an intense action spectacle. The star of his film is Yun-Fat Chow, who was never properly appreciated in American films, but here he delivers truly amazing performances. No kicks and punches, but a proper bloody showdown. That's the recipe Woo banked on, along with interesting characters and a decent storyline. And it worked. This is a good one to watch if you like grittier action. The strength of this film also lies in how it gracefully blends intense action, humor, and relational elements. (2014-01-19)

John Woo's first big film, where he tried to combine depth of characters with strong values and traditionally exaggerated and theatrical emotions, hand in hand with bloody ballet. It's not a total dud, but sometimes it unintentionally oscillates between a parody of family relationships and theatre, combined with almost splatter-like action full of whizzing bullets and litres of blood. With time, he managed to smooth and balance both. So far, the only film of this master that I don’t need to watch again. (2022-10-02)

A great story about two brothers on opposite sides of the law, where Woo includes a little less action (but where the action occurs, it’s that much more brutal), with a powerful dramatic feel to it. A surprising (rather sad) supporting role for Chow Yun-Fat. "Do you believe there's a God?" "Yes. I am God." (2019-07-15)

A stylistic warm-up in which the bullets don't yet flow through the barrel so gracefully. However, I simply don’t enjoy watching the tense family drama with my personal aversion to Asian emotions. 3 ½. (2010-02-17)