Desperate to improve public perception after leaked footage shows them as weak and cowardly during a shootout, the Hong Kong police force agrees to have cameras strapped to their officers during a raid in this media satire from action director Johnnie To. The action is good, but it as a commentary on the role of media in society that the film works best. Kelly Chen is excellent as the constantly cool and collected young superintendent who approves the cameras, citing the need to put on "a great show" to win back the public. Nothing is quite on the level though with discussion of editing the footage before it is broadcast. The question also arises of whether the police see a greater need in nailing the criminals or making themselves simply look good. Things grow more complex as the criminals decide to broadcast their own videos online, and everything culminates in a memorable finale. The plot sometimes feels excessively padded out though; the basic story is slim and subplots like cooking a meal and a hostage trying to escape are distracting. None of the supporting characters are especially well developed either. Generally speaking though, the film is encapsulating throughout. Especially interesting is Chen's constant barking of orders from the comfort and safety of her headquarters. Is she putting her officers' lives on the line to serve and protect the public or to serve and protect the department's image?
Review of Breaking News
