Mongkok - usually cited as the most densely populated neighbourhood on earth. Having visited there a few times I concur. Even at 11 PM the area seems to be wall-to-wall people, all in a rush.
Amid this setting is the story of several characters whose fates are all intertwined. The assassin, the prostitute, the gang members, the police, they all have their stories told in bits and pieces. At first they seem to be all separate, unrelated, a jumble of characters. But as the film progresses you start putting the pieces together and eventually you can see almost predict how this is going to end before it finally does.
The filming is superb. The gritty look matches the story. This movie is intent on showing the ugly side of HK, the human trafficking, corruption, drugs, and the triads hold on the entire island. And the shots reflect that.
The acting is uneven but overall does not distract from the story. I gave it 8/10. It wasn't a pleasant film to watch (most of my memories of Hong Kong are very positive). But it tells a story that's all too true to many of the residents in the underbelly of Mongkok.
Amid this setting is the story of several characters whose fates are all intertwined. The assassin, the prostitute, the gang members, the police, they all have their stories told in bits and pieces. At first they seem to be all separate, unrelated, a jumble of characters. But as the film progresses you start putting the pieces together and eventually you can see almost predict how this is going to end before it finally does.
The filming is superb. The gritty look matches the story. This movie is intent on showing the ugly side of HK, the human trafficking, corruption, drugs, and the triads hold on the entire island. And the shots reflect that.
The acting is uneven but overall does not distract from the story. I gave it 8/10. It wasn't a pleasant film to watch (most of my memories of Hong Kong are very positive). But it tells a story that's all too true to many of the residents in the underbelly of Mongkok.