Big names like John Woo don't often work with small budget movies like these. However, despite the small budget and a relatively less talented cast - Woo comes up with a decent package of thrill/romance/action.
Quite obviously, the screenplay is not as stylized as other Woo movies, but then again the comparison would be baseless given the size of this project. The script is quite typical to Woo's movies - not really believable but always good/entertaining material. People might complain that this is an unbelievable plot - but then that's John Woo. All his scripts hover above reality (Broken Arrow, Face/Off, MI2). Anyways, the script is closely linked to the original Once a Thief (starring Chow Yun Fat) which was definitely a popular movie of its time.
In my opinion, the acting was definitely top-notch for a TV-movie. And the inherent charm in some shots/sequences is too cool as well - typical John Woo. Not to put in too much spoilers, but the one where all 3 guys place their weapons around the lady is quite tasteful.
Perhaps today (10 years down), the visual appeal might not be so much since a lot of cinematic style has been infused in Hollywood in the past decade, but overall, this is an entertaining TV-movie.
Quite obviously, the screenplay is not as stylized as other Woo movies, but then again the comparison would be baseless given the size of this project. The script is quite typical to Woo's movies - not really believable but always good/entertaining material. People might complain that this is an unbelievable plot - but then that's John Woo. All his scripts hover above reality (Broken Arrow, Face/Off, MI2). Anyways, the script is closely linked to the original Once a Thief (starring Chow Yun Fat) which was definitely a popular movie of its time.
In my opinion, the acting was definitely top-notch for a TV-movie. And the inherent charm in some shots/sequences is too cool as well - typical John Woo. Not to put in too much spoilers, but the one where all 3 guys place their weapons around the lady is quite tasteful.
Perhaps today (10 years down), the visual appeal might not be so much since a lot of cinematic style has been infused in Hollywood in the past decade, but overall, this is an entertaining TV-movie.