Chasing The Dragon [Movie Review]

It has been quite some time since I last watched a Cantonese movie - I love the kungfu ones so whenever there are people flying, sword-fighting - I will either watch it on the silver screen or at home, streaming online.

Donnie Yen and Andy Lau

Thanks to RAM ENTERTAINMENT SDN BHD for inviting me to the premiere of Chasing The Dragon - a remake of a 1991 movie To Be Number One. It is of action crime, so still some fighting scenes there too.

The movie was set in Hong Kong in the 1960s. Ho came to Hong Kong from Mainland China with his buddies, trying to make ends meet. But jobs are scarce and at times, they join a 'fight' among gangs just to make some cash. 

They have K-Pop, we are the H-Pop!

Their luck ran out when the 'fight' among two gangs went awry and they were captured by the police force, at that time was headed by the corrupt British police officer. They were tortured in their cell. A sergeant by rank, Lee Rock came up to their rescue and sent Ho to the hospital to receive treatments and gave the bunch some money to get them on their ways. Ho vowed that he will come to Lee Rock's assistance should he need one in the future.

A wedding reception? 

Now a love triangle went wrong - so one must die.

Now who accuses me of farting in public?

Somehow, one of them was captured and tortured by a drug lord for cheating in his casino. In order to save his friend, Ho offered his services in assisting the drug lord. Ho's life changed for the better after he worked for the gang. Realising his potential, Lee Rock came to see Ho and offered to assist Ho in his operation should Lee Rock's was given some incentives.  
When corruption is the king, anything and everything is possible - friends become enemies and enemies become associates. 

Now how are we getting him out of here? He is HEAVY!

During one of the gang fights, in order to save Rock, he even sacrificed his right leg, hence becoming “Crippled Ho”. The two had since developed a close brotherly love. And Rock helped Ho to become the No.1 leader of the drug empire. 
Rock and Ho became extremely powerful and separately ruled the upper-world and the underworld of Hong Kong. However, at the same time, they checked and wrestled with each other secretly to ensure the balance of power between them. 

You wanted the cheapest mean of transport right?

A parade of men in unifroms - hehehe... naughty people!

Until 1974, the establishment of ICAC forced Rock to have a premature retirement. However, Ho did not want to quit and was determined to become the sole dictator of the drug empire.

What will happen to the brotherhood?

Plot: 4.8/ 5.0. It was intense from the start until the end - with so much brutal and gory actions through out the movie. The twist made you think of what is next and it keeps me awake until the end.

Cast: 4.9/ 5.0. I didn't watch To Be Number One but I am so taken by Donnie Yen and Andy Lau's acting that at some points, I had teary eyes. All actors did their parts justice and I applaud all of them for their commitments.

Will I watch it again: Yes, I don't mind watching it again.

Rawlins GLAM
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