Il colore della verità

The storyline in this action/crime movie was nothing out of the ordinary, unfortunately. Though what made the movie somewhat different from so many other Hong Kong crime movies was the way it was shot and some brilliant acting performances.

"Colour of the Truth" is an average cop and triad story, where Wong Jiang shoots and kills two people, one triad boss and one being an undercover policeman. The sons of these two grow up with a brooding urge to seek vengeance and justify the loss of their father; one growing up to become a policeman and work along side Wong Jiang, while the other grows up on the shadier side of the law.

Even though it was a fairly 'standard' storyline, then it was still enjoyable, because it was well shot and nicely executed by both director and acting talents alike. Was it predictable? Yes.

"Colour of the Truth" has some of Hong Kong's heavier acting talents to the cast list. There is Anthony Wong Chau-Sang (playing Wong Jiang), Jordan Chan (playing Ray Tam Dai Wai) and Yin Tse (playing Wang Kwan). And on supporting roles you have Gillian Chung (playing Katie Wang) and Chapman To (playing Toast). But most impressively, there were two great cameos by Francis Ng (playing Tam Chui) and Ching Wan Lau (playing Seven Up).

There was also a nice reference to "Young and Dangerous" in the movie, with a very clever follow-up scene, which you can't help but cheer for if you are familiar with Hong Kong cinema (well, "Young and Dangerous" in particular). Hint; it is the scene with Jordan Chan.

"Colour of the Truth" was good entertainment, however it had a tendency to be a bit too plain in the vast available crime titles out of Hong Kong. But it is well worth a watch if you are a fan of Hong Kong cinema.

Let me introduce you to this movie with a little warning. Don't expect it being a pure vengeance flick. You shouldn't also be misled by the fact that this movie comes from Hongkong and expect a high paced martial arts movie. This also isn't a movie about Chinese culture as it could take place in any other country. That's why this movie might especially please to people that rather watch traditional European thrillers and not to all fans of the Asian cinema. To some people this flick could be a soft but impressing introduction to Asian cinema. If you are in the same situation as me who adores Asian movies but who has a girlfriend and mother that rather dislike this kind of cinema, this movie could be what you have been looking for.

Take this movie as it is: a very entertaining cop thriller with a couple of moral and philosophic touches and a couple of more or less surprising twists. Those two aspects are enough to make this movie stand out from many others of its kind but this isn't enough to make a masterpiece of it. I should also mention the solid acting by most of the characters but the negative aspect is that the main character is played by the weakest actor that does a rather faceless performance and needs some time to grow into his role which leads to some lengths in the beginning. But the movie is worth the wait and many intriguing characters are introduced and the mid tempo pace kicks in after a mediocre start. The rest is the usual stuff including some explosive action scenes, a little bit of suspense, some humour and a little shot of romance.

This movie is worth to be watched and very entertaining but I wouldn't have bought it or watched it in the movie theatres. If you want a great Asian cop thriller go and check out the Korean "Memories of Murder" and check out some of my other reviews on this site.

Jing Wong's "Color of the truth" is the kind of films that great directors are remembered by, with beautifully crafted cinematography and just the right mix of editorial features, it is a signature addition to Wong's body of work. A perfect mix of hard-nosed cops and gangsters who die trying.

One of the most powerful scenes of film came early on in the opening sequence, where an undercover informant played by Ching Wan Lau is confronted by his supervising officer played by the delightful Anthony Wong and his mark, a local mob boss played by the colorful Francis Ng.

On a beautifully lit rooftop, (a love letter from cinematographer Edmond Fung to his camera) the trio are put in what may stand alongside Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" as one of the best Mexican stand-offs in world cinema to date.

In an attempt to conceal his cover, Seven up (Lau) gently reassures his commanding officer by placing his hand on Huang's(Wong) shoulder, focus is pulled to the foreground leaving Lau's face and the rest of the conversation to take place in the unfocused background.

The performance by Anthony Wong brings a refreshing quality and adds a darker persona to his already impressive repertoire. Comic genius Man Chat To has acquired the kind of master timing that most comics only dream about, playing the "wacky assistant" role, reminiscence of Stephen Chow's standout performances.

It may be far too early to be branding the year¡¦s ¡§best¡¨ but if ¡§Color of the Truth¡¨ is forgotten when the awards draw near, it will be a shame as well as a mystery.

Daniel Chan (Independent Filmmaker)

After, Qi Xi, whom even calls 7-up (how's that for product placement) is killed, his young boy grows up thinking that Huang (the great Anthony Wong) a policeman had killed him. Now as a new graduate of the police academy and going by the name of Coke, he plans to avenge his fathers death. This film is derivative of better films, but the acting and the stylistic action keeps it not only afloat but makes it a pretty good film in it's own right. I was never bored with it as it kept my attention throughout.

DVD Extras: Making of; Movie Synopsis; Cast bios; 2 Theatrical Trailers; Trailer for "Love undercover 2"

My movie/DVD grade: B/F (too many of the extras aren't subtitled)

A great departure for creator WONG JING, known mostly for superfluous comedies and mindnumbingly bad comedy-action films that should have been left on the floor of Hong Kong film history (i.e. the '80s and early '90s).

COLOUR OF THE TRUTH is predictable and there's nothing new in it. In fact, it's somewhat of a copy of the far superior INFERNAL AFFAIRS in premise. Even so, TRUTH is rather enjoyable, thanks to a classic turn by star Anthony Wong.

Not quite as good as INFERNAL AFFAIRS, but even that movie was a retread of familiar territory. Hong Kong has done so many Cop/Triad films that it's hard to break new grounds. TRUTH doesn't, but it's still quite good.

6 out of 10.