3 reviews
I was given the opportunity to sit down and watch the 1999 action crime movie "Bullets Over Summer" (aka "Bao lie xing jing") from Wilson Yip in mid-2019. Needless to say that I jumped at the chance for two reasons.
First of all, it is a Hong Kong action movie, and I do have a special admiration for Asian movie - especially those from the Hong Kong cinema. And secondly, the movie stars Francis Ng and Louis Koo, two of the major players in Hong Kong cinema.
While the title, "Bullets Over Summer", doesn't really make much of any sense, it should be said that the movie is definitely quite entertaining. And there is a lot going on, so I dare say that there are elements of this 1999 movie that I find an appeal with just about anyone in the audience.
The characters in the movie were quite diverse and they were nicely given depths and characteristics by writers Ben Cheung, Matt Chow and Wilson Yip (whom also directed the movie).
Francis Ng was phenomenal in this movie, but then again he tends to be in the movies that he stars in. He really is a talented actor and is quite capable of portraying very different characters. Louis Koo also carried himself nicely and added a good element to the movie. And for long time fans of the Hong Kong cinema, then it is quite enjoyable to watch Lan Law in the role as the granny.
"Bullets Over Summer" offers a hefty mixture of action, drama, romance and a bit of fun as well. A mixture that definitely worked out quite well in favor of the movie. If you haven't already seen "Bullets Over Summer", and you get the chance to do so, I would recommend that you take the time to sit down and watch it.
First of all, it is a Hong Kong action movie, and I do have a special admiration for Asian movie - especially those from the Hong Kong cinema. And secondly, the movie stars Francis Ng and Louis Koo, two of the major players in Hong Kong cinema.
While the title, "Bullets Over Summer", doesn't really make much of any sense, it should be said that the movie is definitely quite entertaining. And there is a lot going on, so I dare say that there are elements of this 1999 movie that I find an appeal with just about anyone in the audience.
The characters in the movie were quite diverse and they were nicely given depths and characteristics by writers Ben Cheung, Matt Chow and Wilson Yip (whom also directed the movie).
Francis Ng was phenomenal in this movie, but then again he tends to be in the movies that he stars in. He really is a talented actor and is quite capable of portraying very different characters. Louis Koo also carried himself nicely and added a good element to the movie. And for long time fans of the Hong Kong cinema, then it is quite enjoyable to watch Lan Law in the role as the granny.
"Bullets Over Summer" offers a hefty mixture of action, drama, romance and a bit of fun as well. A mixture that definitely worked out quite well in favor of the movie. If you haven't already seen "Bullets Over Summer", and you get the chance to do so, I would recommend that you take the time to sit down and watch it.
- paul_m_haakonsen
- Jul 21, 2019
- Permalink
BULLETS OVER SUMMER and COLOUR OF TRUTH adds proof to my theory that any film where either Francis Ng or Anthony Wong has a major role can't be bad.
BULLETS stars Ng as a lonely cop who finds meaning in life when he meets a pregnant young woman while on a stake-out. The cop and robbers angle is an afterthought, since it's the characters that make this movie.
An effectively sympathetic drama that is nevertheless buoyed by some sudden violence between the cops and the bad guys. The ending is classic Heroic Bloodshed stuff, and many Westerners will find it a bit puzzling. Those used to Hong Kong cinema won't be at all surprised.
7 out of 10.
BULLETS stars Ng as a lonely cop who finds meaning in life when he meets a pregnant young woman while on a stake-out. The cop and robbers angle is an afterthought, since it's the characters that make this movie.
An effectively sympathetic drama that is nevertheless buoyed by some sudden violence between the cops and the bad guys. The ending is classic Heroic Bloodshed stuff, and many Westerners will find it a bit puzzling. Those used to Hong Kong cinema won't be at all surprised.
7 out of 10.
- NIXFLIX-DOT-COM
- Aug 26, 2003
- Permalink
Bullets Over Summer, directed by Wilson Yip, is a refreshingly unique take on the buddy-cop genre, blending action, humor, and heartfelt moments with surprising finesse. Set against the gritty backdrop of Hong Kong, the film stands out not only for its high-stakes police narrative but also for its tender exploration of human connections in unlikely circumstances.
The story follows Brian and Mike, two detectives staking out a fugitive gangster from the cozy apartment of an elderly woman, portrayed with warmth and charm. Their interactions with her bring unexpected depth and heart to the plot, offering moments of levity and introspection amidst the tension. The dynamic between the two cops, portrayed with chemistry and nuance, adds layers to their characters, moving beyond the typical archetypes of the genre.
Wilson Yip's direction is deft, seamlessly weaving the action sequences with quieter, emotionally charged moments. The film's pacing is brisk yet balanced, allowing each subplot-whether it's the detectives' growing bond with their hostess or their respective romantic entanglements-to resonate without feeling rushed or underdeveloped. The script, co-written by Yip and Matt Chow, strikes a delicate balance between humor, drama, and action, ensuring the film remains engaging from start to finish.
The cinematography captures the urban vibrancy of Hong Kong while juxtaposing it with the intimacy of the apartment setting, creating a visual dichotomy that mirrors the film's thematic duality. The action sequences are well-choreographed, but it's the quieter moments-marked by genuine warmth and character development-that leave a lasting impression.
Bullets Over Summer is a standout entry in the action-comedy genre, elevating itself with its heartfelt storytelling and memorable characters. It's a film that surprises and delights, offering much more than its premise suggests.
Rating: 8/10 - A charming and action-packed film with unexpected emotional depth.
The story follows Brian and Mike, two detectives staking out a fugitive gangster from the cozy apartment of an elderly woman, portrayed with warmth and charm. Their interactions with her bring unexpected depth and heart to the plot, offering moments of levity and introspection amidst the tension. The dynamic between the two cops, portrayed with chemistry and nuance, adds layers to their characters, moving beyond the typical archetypes of the genre.
Wilson Yip's direction is deft, seamlessly weaving the action sequences with quieter, emotionally charged moments. The film's pacing is brisk yet balanced, allowing each subplot-whether it's the detectives' growing bond with their hostess or their respective romantic entanglements-to resonate without feeling rushed or underdeveloped. The script, co-written by Yip and Matt Chow, strikes a delicate balance between humor, drama, and action, ensuring the film remains engaging from start to finish.
The cinematography captures the urban vibrancy of Hong Kong while juxtaposing it with the intimacy of the apartment setting, creating a visual dichotomy that mirrors the film's thematic duality. The action sequences are well-choreographed, but it's the quieter moments-marked by genuine warmth and character development-that leave a lasting impression.
Bullets Over Summer is a standout entry in the action-comedy genre, elevating itself with its heartfelt storytelling and memorable characters. It's a film that surprises and delights, offering much more than its premise suggests.
Rating: 8/10 - A charming and action-packed film with unexpected emotional depth.
- Giuseppe_Silecchia
- Jan 4, 2025
- Permalink