Jin shou zhi

THE INFORMER is a decent little cop thriller from Shaw, very similar to the gritty wave of police films that were to become so popular thorughout Hong Kong in the 1980s. This one's a good vehicle for Wang Chung, who stars as well as writing and directing, and it has a lot to recommend it. A crack team of cops go after the usual drug lords, and there's a mix of action, chases, comic relief and character work. It does flag a little in the middle section but makes up for it with a dramatic climax and an excellent ensemble cast of familiar faces working alongside Chung. A youthful Kent Cheng stands out alongside a reliable Danny Lee.