28 reviews
Finally we have before us a Category III movie for the summer 2006 season. Made of equal parts cruelty, crime and passion, Dog Bite Dog benefits not merely from an apt title, but also flexible direction, superb cinematography and respectable performances from most involved. Of course there has to be a catch, manifested here in the form of several glaring inconsistencies, yet all told DBD represents the mature spirit we'd love to see more of in the HK mainstream.
It also marks the heralded return of Edison Chen, long absent since the Initial D debacle of a year ago. Chen's reserved machismo does wonders for the movie, yet would have had it rough without opposite Sam Lee, whose knack for alternating between physical comedy (Crazy 'N' the City, No Problem 2) and lunatic menace has culminated in the strongest role we've seen from him since Made in Hong Kong.
Together, the duo makes Dog Bite Dog, and hopefully Edison's going to get an easier break from now on as a consequence: his touch transformed projects from Princess D to the Infernal Affairs saga, and still he remains a rare occurrence.
Mostly upon commencing, DBD showcases some mesmerizing imagery, playing gorgeous tricks with light, shadow and perspective. The soundtrack boosts this atmospheric effect, adding to the overall unreal mood the film purveys. Much of the resultant combination probably has to do with writer Matt Chow, previously engaged in likewise gruesome Three Extremes. Dog Bite Dog retains numerous traits recalled from that horror project, namely rundown urbanscapes and a pervasive air of something eerie lurking round the corner.
Rest assured, though, this isn't a horror movie, instead following a path trodden before by classic One Nite in Mongkok, albeit from a miles more perverse angle. Replacing Daniel Wu's reluctant mainland assassin character we have Edison, playing a nameless killing machine hailing from Cambodia's underworld. Sent Hong Kong-way to execute a single target, the nearly silent assassin takes care of business immediately upon arrival, a process chillingly depicted courtesy of the film's brilliant visuals.
Although weaned from childhood to become a professional killer, Edison's eponymous wild dog still has human weaknesses and leaves a trail, picked up on by a CID team sent to investigate. This assembly features a nice cameo by mob-movie stalwart Lam Suet, and good support from TV star Wayne Lai. However, Sam Lee's renegade officer Wai leads the charge, revealing himself to be a highly disturbed individual but excellent cop nonetheless. We gradually learn Wai's inner-conflict stems from his father's police corruption background, evoking demons handy in the relentless pursuit that ensues.
A minor body count transpires, as Edison seems to consider taking prisoners a no-no. There's quite the violence quotient in store, even though gore per se feels toned down in places, and adult language only makes a token appearance. Once more, no nudity, leading one to conclude Cat III's are being handed these days a bit hastily. Still, DBD's a relatively mature theatrical release, and we applaud its arrival.
In between the fighting, stabbing , hacking and shooting, even a career murderer needs some romance, and just like Daniel Wu had Cecilia Cheung in One Nite, so does intrepid Mr. Chen get a sweetheart, done beautifully by new comer Pei Pei. Her unnamed character (lots of anonymity in this one) meets Edison's at a strangely deserted landfill, abused by her father to the point of repulsive madness and yearning for escape. When the killer ditches HK, he agrees to take her with him, and they go on the run together, love blooming en route. While the movie doesn't linger on lovey-dovey stuff, our hearts go out to Pei Pei's tragic character and her endless suffering. She renders the timid but valiant protagonist amazingly well, establishing that there aren't any good or bad guys here, evinced by the highly sobering finale.
Director Cheang Soi's portfolio includes recent suspense thriller Home Sweet Home and Love Battlefield with Eason Chan, two numbers likely surpassed in most accounts by Dog Bite Dog's sinister demeanor. Cheang manages to keep DBD flowing throughout, and considering the many parts in play here, stands up to critical standards erected by people like Johnny To in his watershed nocturnal epic The Mission. A couple of glitches do come about, to wit Edison miraculously shrugging off a shot to the chest, but these are highly forgivable.
Marking triumphant returns for two young, talented performers of the kind Hong Kong needs if we want the city's movie heyday to come back, Dog Bite Dog doesn't stand out for story. Its forte lies in strong portrayals and style, buoyed along on the strength of thespian muscle and a keen eye for visual and auditory finesse.
HK has a long, time-honored tradition of stories to do with the city's nighttime alter-ego, something Dog Bite Dog upholds lovingly, amounting to a solid run if not an outright masterpiece.
Rating: * * * *
It also marks the heralded return of Edison Chen, long absent since the Initial D debacle of a year ago. Chen's reserved machismo does wonders for the movie, yet would have had it rough without opposite Sam Lee, whose knack for alternating between physical comedy (Crazy 'N' the City, No Problem 2) and lunatic menace has culminated in the strongest role we've seen from him since Made in Hong Kong.
Together, the duo makes Dog Bite Dog, and hopefully Edison's going to get an easier break from now on as a consequence: his touch transformed projects from Princess D to the Infernal Affairs saga, and still he remains a rare occurrence.
Mostly upon commencing, DBD showcases some mesmerizing imagery, playing gorgeous tricks with light, shadow and perspective. The soundtrack boosts this atmospheric effect, adding to the overall unreal mood the film purveys. Much of the resultant combination probably has to do with writer Matt Chow, previously engaged in likewise gruesome Three Extremes. Dog Bite Dog retains numerous traits recalled from that horror project, namely rundown urbanscapes and a pervasive air of something eerie lurking round the corner.
Rest assured, though, this isn't a horror movie, instead following a path trodden before by classic One Nite in Mongkok, albeit from a miles more perverse angle. Replacing Daniel Wu's reluctant mainland assassin character we have Edison, playing a nameless killing machine hailing from Cambodia's underworld. Sent Hong Kong-way to execute a single target, the nearly silent assassin takes care of business immediately upon arrival, a process chillingly depicted courtesy of the film's brilliant visuals.
Although weaned from childhood to become a professional killer, Edison's eponymous wild dog still has human weaknesses and leaves a trail, picked up on by a CID team sent to investigate. This assembly features a nice cameo by mob-movie stalwart Lam Suet, and good support from TV star Wayne Lai. However, Sam Lee's renegade officer Wai leads the charge, revealing himself to be a highly disturbed individual but excellent cop nonetheless. We gradually learn Wai's inner-conflict stems from his father's police corruption background, evoking demons handy in the relentless pursuit that ensues.
A minor body count transpires, as Edison seems to consider taking prisoners a no-no. There's quite the violence quotient in store, even though gore per se feels toned down in places, and adult language only makes a token appearance. Once more, no nudity, leading one to conclude Cat III's are being handed these days a bit hastily. Still, DBD's a relatively mature theatrical release, and we applaud its arrival.
In between the fighting, stabbing , hacking and shooting, even a career murderer needs some romance, and just like Daniel Wu had Cecilia Cheung in One Nite, so does intrepid Mr. Chen get a sweetheart, done beautifully by new comer Pei Pei. Her unnamed character (lots of anonymity in this one) meets Edison's at a strangely deserted landfill, abused by her father to the point of repulsive madness and yearning for escape. When the killer ditches HK, he agrees to take her with him, and they go on the run together, love blooming en route. While the movie doesn't linger on lovey-dovey stuff, our hearts go out to Pei Pei's tragic character and her endless suffering. She renders the timid but valiant protagonist amazingly well, establishing that there aren't any good or bad guys here, evinced by the highly sobering finale.
Director Cheang Soi's portfolio includes recent suspense thriller Home Sweet Home and Love Battlefield with Eason Chan, two numbers likely surpassed in most accounts by Dog Bite Dog's sinister demeanor. Cheang manages to keep DBD flowing throughout, and considering the many parts in play here, stands up to critical standards erected by people like Johnny To in his watershed nocturnal epic The Mission. A couple of glitches do come about, to wit Edison miraculously shrugging off a shot to the chest, but these are highly forgivable.
Marking triumphant returns for two young, talented performers of the kind Hong Kong needs if we want the city's movie heyday to come back, Dog Bite Dog doesn't stand out for story. Its forte lies in strong portrayals and style, buoyed along on the strength of thespian muscle and a keen eye for visual and auditory finesse.
HK has a long, time-honored tradition of stories to do with the city's nighttime alter-ego, something Dog Bite Dog upholds lovingly, amounting to a solid run if not an outright masterpiece.
Rating: * * * *
Those individuals familiar with Asian cinema, as a whole, are aware that Japan is renowned, or notorious, for it's hyper-violent films and Korea is now garnering a reputation for viciously brutal films. Dog Bites Dog, while not necessarily getting as hyper-violent as the craziest Miike film, nor is it as unapologetically brutal as some Koreas more ambitious efforts, it is a perfect in between with its own brand of brutality all it's own. The greatest strength this film has though, like the greatest of the Japanese or Korean efforts, is that the brutality, rather than detracting from the film, actually develops the characters, if not, pushing the story forward. The two main characters are both incredibly vicious individuals with their own motivations and emotional underpinning for being as such. Sam Lee's character, for instance, is on the edge from the very start and slowly and surely, amidst various encounters with Chang's character, it is revealed why he is. Without spoiling this part of the story too much, it involves the morally ambiguous nature of his father. Chang's character, on the other hand, has his most primal instincts honed to, if not perfection, brutal efficiency. Surprisingly, Chang's story arch, while not necessarily revealing a more human side, actually reveals a side to our animal nature which many forget about which is the natural ability to recognize a fellow broken animal (and no I am not talking about Sam Lee, rather Pei Pei's garbage dump girl character). Ultimately however, for the first 80 minutes or so, it is a, more or less, straight forward cat and mouse, or Dog chase Dog, film in which every encounter ends in at least one death (seriously, once Sam Lee and Chang Square off, some one will die) and the fun part of movie is you never know who hands will commit the act. Which brings us to the film's one weakness. Unforunatley to delve into it would be yet another spoiler but, to put it simply, it is guilty of pushing one of the main points of the film since, rather then letting the point be made as is 80 minutes into the film, the film goes on for another 20 minutes or so to further emphasize it. Don't get me wrong, if transitioned better from the 80 minute mark to the climax and if the final act wasn't filled with sweet music (in fact if it, like the majority of the film, kept the music to the barest minimum and let the disturbing sound effects do their job), it still could have worked and not detract from the film. As it is though, despite the third act having the most vicious and bloody of the encounters, the way it was handled made it feel tacked on, and almost, insults the viewers intelligence since it felt it had to go this far to get it across. Nevertheless, it is still a breath of fresh air from Hong Kong cinema since even the most bloody of the martial arts films never reaches the level of viciousness and brutality while keeping the the character archs in tact.
- illeatyourdog
- Jan 13, 2008
- Permalink
There's a bit of a story about the sins of the father tucked away underneath Gau ngao gau's (Dog Bite Dog in English) unrelenting violence, but it's small and wisps away like fleeting warm breath on a cold day.
The movie is about a Cambodian hitman played by Edisen Chen who gets hunted across the streets of Thailand for committing a brutal murder. Unable to speak the language and having no second thoughts about killing anyone in his path (e.g., man, woman, cop or otherwise) Chen's ruthless hitman attempts to make his way back to Cambodia. The road isn't easy and a small team of dedicated cops with their own dirty past attempt to stop him, almost by any means necessary.
Other reviews are right on the money that this film is absolutely nihilistic. It's shot well, but also shot to make Thailand look as filthy as possible. Large parts of the movie take place in dark alleys, landfills, and the slums.
There are no redeeming values to any of the characters save for one character who gets caught up in the middle of it, but this isn't a feel good movie and all logical conclusions would point to an ending that satisfies the movie's main themes while you're watching it.
There aren't many fantastical or too many outlandish elements about the movie. It mostly maintains a realistic pace and outcome for the encounters, but the grit, grime, and fatalistic overtones might easily put most viewers off.
I would say that if you have a happy movie lined up to watch afterward, definitely give Dog Bite Dog a go. If you're feeling depressed or down or sullen or nihilistic? Well, you might want to pass on this one until it's sunny outside and the birds are chirping a chipper tune.
The movie is about a Cambodian hitman played by Edisen Chen who gets hunted across the streets of Thailand for committing a brutal murder. Unable to speak the language and having no second thoughts about killing anyone in his path (e.g., man, woman, cop or otherwise) Chen's ruthless hitman attempts to make his way back to Cambodia. The road isn't easy and a small team of dedicated cops with their own dirty past attempt to stop him, almost by any means necessary.
Other reviews are right on the money that this film is absolutely nihilistic. It's shot well, but also shot to make Thailand look as filthy as possible. Large parts of the movie take place in dark alleys, landfills, and the slums.
There are no redeeming values to any of the characters save for one character who gets caught up in the middle of it, but this isn't a feel good movie and all logical conclusions would point to an ending that satisfies the movie's main themes while you're watching it.
There aren't many fantastical or too many outlandish elements about the movie. It mostly maintains a realistic pace and outcome for the encounters, but the grit, grime, and fatalistic overtones might easily put most viewers off.
I would say that if you have a happy movie lined up to watch afterward, definitely give Dog Bite Dog a go. If you're feeling depressed or down or sullen or nihilistic? Well, you might want to pass on this one until it's sunny outside and the birds are chirping a chipper tune.
- cyguration
- Feb 2, 2020
- Permalink
- BA_Harrison
- Oct 4, 2007
- Permalink
One of the most nihilistic and brutal films I've ever seen, but also one of the most tragic and moving ones. This is an action-melodrama like the world has never seen it before. Sometimes the plot got me close to tears, while in the next moment delivering shocking revelations like a bone-crunching blow to the guts. Chilling performance by Edison Chen. The story of a HK-Cop and a Cambodian killer hunting each other down, while bit by bit losing their humanity, is a strong one. Featuring very little dialog in favor of haunting imagery and gritty camera-work, "Dog bite Dog" is pure HK-Bloodshed without the Heroism.
- the_diceman
- Mar 9, 2007
- Permalink
It's remarkable and quite praiseworthy how writers and directors continue to make great movies out of one of the oldest and most (over)used story lines in cinema! "Dog Bite Dog" is basically not much more than just the simple story of an lone copper obsessively chasing a brilliant criminal, only Pou-Soi Cheang distinguishes his film from the rest by being extremely violent & relentless. This is unquestionably one of the grittiest and most uncompromising movies I've ever seen, with an atmosphere of constant nihilism and characters that seem to come walking straight out of hell! Not even the installments in Chan-Wook Park's trilogy of vengeance (with the exception of "Oldboy", perhaps) or any other infamous Cat-III film ever released were as sadistic and brutal as some of the events depicted in "Dog Bite Dog". Pang is a young and ruthless Cambodian assassin who lands in the crowded streets of Hong Kong to eliminate the wife of an eminent judge in a restaurant. When the police arrives at the place, young officer Wai sees how Pang hastily flees from the scene of the crime and follow him. The first actual confrontation between the two rabid dogs results in a gigantic blood bath, as Pang mercilessly kills several hostages and even Wai's long time friend and colleague. From then on begins a thrilling and action-packed cat and mouse game between the frustrated cop and the professional killer. The latter also saves a young girl from the constant sexual abuse of her father and stays with her at her shed in the local garbage dump. What makes this routine action/thriller so fascinating (apart from the explicit violence) are the main characters' backgrounds! Pang, the hit-man, is a Cambodian orphan and has been trained to fight & kill for money ever since he was a child. He knows no restrictions, has no mercy and barely speaks a word. Wai, the cop, became particularly ruthless and unorthodox ever since his role-model father (also a cop) lies in a coma after a drug-related incident. Lai doesn't question suspects and witnesses; he yells at them and he's prepared to sacrifice everything in order to stop his brand new nemesis. People with a weak stomach or tangled nerves are advised to stay away from this film, because the cruelty and shocks featuring in "Dog Bite Dog" can easily cause nausea. It's not the type of violence where bloodied heads and chopped off limbs fly through the air, but more like the intense and utterly disturbing type where people attempt to crush their opponents mentally as well as physically. The filming locations are effectively dark and eerie and the extremely sober music makes the already harrowing tone of the movie even more petrifying. The performances are terrific! I wouldn't be surprised if Edison Chen and Sam Lee treated each other like enemies on the film set as well, because their on screen hatred and disgust feels a little too legitimate. "Dog Bite Dog" is a powerful and unforgettable film, highly recommended if you can stomach it. If you fear you can't, just wait a few years for the inevitable American remake which will unquestionably soften the premise a little.
- fertilecelluloid
- Oct 6, 2006
- Permalink
- viet_thien2069
- Nov 12, 2009
- Permalink
This has to be one of the best movies to come out of HK in a long time, i was eagerly waiting to get my hands on this movie just looking at the title. Loads of fantastic actors in this show and i was particularly impressed with Sam Lee's impossibly believable insane behavior and Edison's portrayal of a killer machine, which totally reversed his normal idol image. i would definitely recommend to those looking for a stylish and action packed movie. However, i must warn you, this is also an equally depressing movie, as every character in the movie is in some kind of dead end and trouble of their own, and struggling to breathe. Makes you think about what is life about really.
- van_der_vaart
- Oct 20, 2006
- Permalink
- dbborroughs
- May 18, 2007
- Permalink
All the good reviews you're reading - those are from big HK cinema buffs, and they are correct from their point of view; it's a lot better than the majority of the cop/gangster films coming out of HK. The plot has already been reviewed, so I'll skip that. It's enough to say that this film does have a plot, much more so than I expected.
On the other hand, this isn't some fine piece of film making compared to what's available from the rest of the world. The characters are so totally unbelievable it will make you cringe. Informers are always scared wimps to be slapped around, cops are tough guys who do the slapping and the hit man is a super tough bad guy who talks little and kills a lot. If informers were so easily intimidated, why would other criminals have anything to do with them? If cops were that uniformly brutal they'd be arresting each other, because no one else would live in such a society. The hit man in this case at least had an excuse for being taciturn and psychotic.
If you really like Asian cinema, especially HK cinema, then you'll like this one a lot. If you're not a big fan, better go rent something else.
On the other hand, this isn't some fine piece of film making compared to what's available from the rest of the world. The characters are so totally unbelievable it will make you cringe. Informers are always scared wimps to be slapped around, cops are tough guys who do the slapping and the hit man is a super tough bad guy who talks little and kills a lot. If informers were so easily intimidated, why would other criminals have anything to do with them? If cops were that uniformly brutal they'd be arresting each other, because no one else would live in such a society. The hit man in this case at least had an excuse for being taciturn and psychotic.
If you really like Asian cinema, especially HK cinema, then you'll like this one a lot. If you're not a big fan, better go rent something else.
I have seen the 2006 Hong Kong crime action movie "Gau Ngao Gau" (aka "Dog Bite Dog") once before, back around the time it was just released. However, I have entirely forgotten about the movie, aside from it being a violent movie of sorts, as I recall. So as I had the oppotunity to sit down and watch "Gau Ngao Gau" again here in 2023, of course I did so.
Writers Matt Chow, Kam-Yuen Szeto and Melvin Li put together a sort of bland storyline here. And perhaps that is why I had entirely forgotten the story in the movie. The concept idea of the movie might have been interesting on script, but the transition to screen didn't make for much of an entertaining movie.
And the character gallery was about as interesting as a flat tire, so that didn't really help to improve the overall enjoyment of the movie. The characters Pang (played by Edison Chen) and Inspector Ti Wai (played by Sam Lee) had zero characteristics or personalities and just fluttered about on the screen like headless chicken.
The movie does have a good cast ensemble, though was hardly an outstanding movie performance from Edison Chen. It was, however, interesting to see Sam Lee take on a serious role for once and put the usual comedy characters behind him. A shame that the writers didn't provide him with much of an interesting character to bring to the screen. I wasn't familiar with actress Weiying Pei (playing Yu), but she could have added more to the movie if she was given a bigger part to play. And it was also nice to see Suet Lam on the screen, though it was for a brief while only.
The cinematography in the movie was okay, though I have to say that the reason for why the movie was filmed with what appeared to be a tinted orange-brown filter made zero sense to me. It was annoying and generally dragged the movie down.
I am sure that there is an audience out there for a movie such as "Gau Ngao Gau". I just happened to find it less than entertaining.
My rating of director Soi Cheang's 2006 movie "Gau Ngao Gau" lands on a three out of ten stars.
Writers Matt Chow, Kam-Yuen Szeto and Melvin Li put together a sort of bland storyline here. And perhaps that is why I had entirely forgotten the story in the movie. The concept idea of the movie might have been interesting on script, but the transition to screen didn't make for much of an entertaining movie.
And the character gallery was about as interesting as a flat tire, so that didn't really help to improve the overall enjoyment of the movie. The characters Pang (played by Edison Chen) and Inspector Ti Wai (played by Sam Lee) had zero characteristics or personalities and just fluttered about on the screen like headless chicken.
The movie does have a good cast ensemble, though was hardly an outstanding movie performance from Edison Chen. It was, however, interesting to see Sam Lee take on a serious role for once and put the usual comedy characters behind him. A shame that the writers didn't provide him with much of an interesting character to bring to the screen. I wasn't familiar with actress Weiying Pei (playing Yu), but she could have added more to the movie if she was given a bigger part to play. And it was also nice to see Suet Lam on the screen, though it was for a brief while only.
The cinematography in the movie was okay, though I have to say that the reason for why the movie was filmed with what appeared to be a tinted orange-brown filter made zero sense to me. It was annoying and generally dragged the movie down.
I am sure that there is an audience out there for a movie such as "Gau Ngao Gau". I just happened to find it less than entertaining.
My rating of director Soi Cheang's 2006 movie "Gau Ngao Gau" lands on a three out of ten stars.
- paul_m_haakonsen
- May 6, 2023
- Permalink
First of all that I would like to say is that Edison Chen is extremely hot and that Sam Lee is looking much better than before XD! This is probably one of the most original movies I have seen so far; shows a poverty lifestyle background of a Cambodian. The Cambodian(Edison aka Pang) goes around killing people to survive himself; has done it throughout his entire life. Sam Lee's(Wai) duty is to capture the Cambodian for good. There are tons of violent actions but has a good story to it. The movie shows the struggles between those two characters; they both beat each other like angry dogs. GO AND WATCH PPL...STRONGLY SUGGESSTED!!! (GO HK FILMS)
This is the worst movie I have ever seen in my entire life. The plot and message are horrible. There are too many mistakes in this movie that it's impossible to keep up. I don't even understand how this movie can get any nomination, let alone 2. Here's why: 1) Sam Lee portrays a angry/irrational detective which was caused by the disappointment from his dad. Pros: He's angry alright. Cons: When it comes to the explanation scene, he cannot convey the sadness/disappointment he has in his father. The crying scene was too fake and it seems like he is literally squeezing out tears from the corner of his eyes.
2) To connect the movie to the title, there were barking or dog wimping sounds during the fight scenes and rape scene, which is totally irrelevant and confusing to the viewer. I understand that it's supposed to be a metaphor or what not... but it's just sooo dumb! 3) WHY THE HECK DID THE COPS NOT SHOOT THE KILLER? What the heck is wrong with this movie. When the killer started stabbing an officer, SHOOT him. He's already dead! What the heck? There were lots of opportunity that the killer could be killed, but I do not know why he wasn't! 4) During the scene where the girl had her foot hurt. In the scene, it was very clear that the LEFT foot of the girls was hurt, so how the heck in the next scene that she's lending all her weight on her left foot? And this is the actress nominated as the best new performer? WTF? 5) The sounds in the movie are off sync.
6) I am guessing that this movie is trying to bring awareness of the brutality and violence among children in South East Asia, so why does the bad guy wins and then the cop was joining the fight? 7) This movie is just too violent without a purpose. Cops are beating CI to a pulp and then if they cooperate, they give them marijuana and coke? This is overall the worst movie. I truly feel that the person who wrote this movie is a sadist and sick person. I have never seen a more disgusting movie in my whole entire life. WORST MOVIE EVER!
2) To connect the movie to the title, there were barking or dog wimping sounds during the fight scenes and rape scene, which is totally irrelevant and confusing to the viewer. I understand that it's supposed to be a metaphor or what not... but it's just sooo dumb! 3) WHY THE HECK DID THE COPS NOT SHOOT THE KILLER? What the heck is wrong with this movie. When the killer started stabbing an officer, SHOOT him. He's already dead! What the heck? There were lots of opportunity that the killer could be killed, but I do not know why he wasn't! 4) During the scene where the girl had her foot hurt. In the scene, it was very clear that the LEFT foot of the girls was hurt, so how the heck in the next scene that she's lending all her weight on her left foot? And this is the actress nominated as the best new performer? WTF? 5) The sounds in the movie are off sync.
6) I am guessing that this movie is trying to bring awareness of the brutality and violence among children in South East Asia, so why does the bad guy wins and then the cop was joining the fight? 7) This movie is just too violent without a purpose. Cops are beating CI to a pulp and then if they cooperate, they give them marijuana and coke? This is overall the worst movie. I truly feel that the person who wrote this movie is a sadist and sick person. I have never seen a more disgusting movie in my whole entire life. WORST MOVIE EVER!
Despite being quite far removed from my expectations, I was thoroughly impressed by Dog Bite Dog. I rented it not knowing much about it, but I essentially expected it to be a martial arts/action film in the standard Hong Kong action tradition, of which I am a devoted fan. I ended up getting something entirely different, which is not at all a bad thing. While the film could be classified as such, and there is definitely some good action and hand to hand combat scenes in the film, it is definitely not the primary focus. Its characters are infinitely more important to the film than its fights, a rather uncommon thing in many Hong Kong action movies.
I was really quite surprised by the intricacy of the characters and character relationships in the film. The lead character, played by Edison Chen (who is really very good), becomes infinitely more complex by the end of the film than I ever thought he would be after watching the first thirty minutes. The police characters also defied my expectations thoroughly. In fact, the stark and honest portrayal of the seldom seen dark side of the police force was quite possible my favorite aspect of the film. I don't know that I would say Dog Bite Dog entirely subverts typical notions of bad criminal, good cop, but it certainly distorts them in ways not often seen in film (unfortunately). So many films, especially Hong Kong action films I find, portray police in what is frankly a VERY ignorantly idealized light. This is one of my least favorite things about the genre. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Dog Bite Dog actually had some very unique, and really quite courageous, ideas to present about the police force. There are negotiation scenes in this film that I have never seen the likes of before, and doubt I will ever see again, and am sure I will remember for quite a while. Also, the criminal characters are shown from an interesting perspective as well, there is some documentary footage in the film of Cambodian boys no older than ten being made to fight each other to the death with their bare hands, which I thought was one of the film's most powerful and moving moments. It says a lot about the reason these guys are the way they are, rather than simply condemning them. Also, the relationship between Chen's character and the girl he meets in the junk yard reveals a lot about his character. It wasn't until this element entered the film that I really started to see the film as an emotional experience rather than only a visceral one. There is something about most on screen relationships that doesn't quite get through to me, but for some reason this one really did. The actress does an incredible job with this role which I imagine was not easy to play.
Dog Bite Dog also features some really breathtaking cinematography, all though it is unfortunately rather uneven. There were some moments that I found really striking, particularly in the last segment of the film, but there was also a good deal of camera work that was just OK. Another slight problem I had was with the pacing, which I also felt was uneven. I found a lot of the "looking for a boat" scenes to be a little alienating, all though it quickly picks up after that. The action scenes are short and not too plentiful, but are truly powerful and effecting, particularly towards the end. The fight choreography is honestly not all that impressive for the most part, all though to its credit it is solid and fairly realistic, but the true strength is the emotional content behind the fights. The final scene, while not a marvel of martial artistry or fight choreography, is one of the most powerful final fights I have ever seen, and I've seen quite a few martial arts films.
I suppose the biggest determining factor of whether or not one will get much out of Dog Bite Dog is whether or not you can connect with the characters. All of them are certainly some of the more flawed characters one is likely to see in a film of any kind, but there was something very human about all of them that I couldn't help but be drawn to and really feel for them, particularly Chen's girlfriend. I should say that I doubt most people will like the film as much as I did simply because I imagine that most people will not like or care about the characters in the same way, but I still recommend it highly all the same. It is truly a deeply moving and effecting film if you give it a chance.
I was really quite surprised by the intricacy of the characters and character relationships in the film. The lead character, played by Edison Chen (who is really very good), becomes infinitely more complex by the end of the film than I ever thought he would be after watching the first thirty minutes. The police characters also defied my expectations thoroughly. In fact, the stark and honest portrayal of the seldom seen dark side of the police force was quite possible my favorite aspect of the film. I don't know that I would say Dog Bite Dog entirely subverts typical notions of bad criminal, good cop, but it certainly distorts them in ways not often seen in film (unfortunately). So many films, especially Hong Kong action films I find, portray police in what is frankly a VERY ignorantly idealized light. This is one of my least favorite things about the genre. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Dog Bite Dog actually had some very unique, and really quite courageous, ideas to present about the police force. There are negotiation scenes in this film that I have never seen the likes of before, and doubt I will ever see again, and am sure I will remember for quite a while. Also, the criminal characters are shown from an interesting perspective as well, there is some documentary footage in the film of Cambodian boys no older than ten being made to fight each other to the death with their bare hands, which I thought was one of the film's most powerful and moving moments. It says a lot about the reason these guys are the way they are, rather than simply condemning them. Also, the relationship between Chen's character and the girl he meets in the junk yard reveals a lot about his character. It wasn't until this element entered the film that I really started to see the film as an emotional experience rather than only a visceral one. There is something about most on screen relationships that doesn't quite get through to me, but for some reason this one really did. The actress does an incredible job with this role which I imagine was not easy to play.
Dog Bite Dog also features some really breathtaking cinematography, all though it is unfortunately rather uneven. There were some moments that I found really striking, particularly in the last segment of the film, but there was also a good deal of camera work that was just OK. Another slight problem I had was with the pacing, which I also felt was uneven. I found a lot of the "looking for a boat" scenes to be a little alienating, all though it quickly picks up after that. The action scenes are short and not too plentiful, but are truly powerful and effecting, particularly towards the end. The fight choreography is honestly not all that impressive for the most part, all though to its credit it is solid and fairly realistic, but the true strength is the emotional content behind the fights. The final scene, while not a marvel of martial artistry or fight choreography, is one of the most powerful final fights I have ever seen, and I've seen quite a few martial arts films.
I suppose the biggest determining factor of whether or not one will get much out of Dog Bite Dog is whether or not you can connect with the characters. All of them are certainly some of the more flawed characters one is likely to see in a film of any kind, but there was something very human about all of them that I couldn't help but be drawn to and really feel for them, particularly Chen's girlfriend. I should say that I doubt most people will like the film as much as I did simply because I imagine that most people will not like or care about the characters in the same way, but I still recommend it highly all the same. It is truly a deeply moving and effecting film if you give it a chance.
- BinaryStar909
- Oct 31, 2007
- Permalink
Simply....breathtakingly brilliant...
Phew breathless Ha breathing what a good movie and what an amazing ride? This is what movies are about, and this is the reason, Neo keeps watching bad HK movies. Dog Bite Dog is not only the Love Battlefield's director best movie ever, but undoubtedly the best movie of the last two years. This is what true HK cinema lovers are waiting for. This is the movie that stamps a huge mark on the viewers and perhaps a place in HK cinema history. To be perfectly honest, Neo haven't been this excited after a movie for years and finally this one delivers. It is that good, it is that impacting and it is that brilliant. As I said before, when I love movie, I overlook its flaws, but this one have none and at the very least, it captured and got hold of my heart. Seriously if you are reading this review, right at this very moment and still haven't watch Dog Bite Dog, go bite yourself and run or whatever straight to the local DVD shop and bite on it! It's a movie you cannot miss!
Writing this review right now, within just minutes after viewing this extraordinary experience, I am shocked, moved and absolutely uplifted. Nothing is better than finding a gem in a sea of recycle water and Dog Bite Dog is like that in 2006 HK cinema. I am not exaggerating; it is exactly how I feel right now. For someone who have been criticising Edison for his singing, acting and dancing for almost his whole career with the exception of Jiang Hu, Neo is still shocked to the max, that such a person like Edison is capable of such performance. Not unlike Jet Li's Danny the Dog, director Soi Cheang, uses similar themes, but make the movie 30 times better. It is unforgettable and cruel experience to endure through the brutality of humanity and the meaningless yet meaningful aspect of life.
Sam Lee, the actor who deems his way through supporting roles and leading roles in B-movies, have done something that he will be proud of. Perhaps a performance that will change his life and the direction of his acting future; it is a heck of a brilliant and absolutely award winning performance. His brutal eyes and expressions of angry are terrifying and his transformation is utterly and brutally memorable. Sam Lee has matured into an actor and perhaps after years and years of appearing in crappy movies, he has decided to stamp a point about himself. Alright, let's make a bold statement here: SAM LEE WILL WIN BEST ACTOR AWARD FOR 2006 HK FILMS AWARD! Edison Chen, Edison Chen, Edison Chen what can I say? A transformational performance and a career defining moment, Edison has put out a heck of a memorable performance. As a dog, he is aimless, with ultimate goal of killing for survival and the way he changes throughout his experiences of love and anger is both extraordinary and beautiful to watch. Two thumbs up from Neo and you are officially a better actor than Ekin Cheng.
The innocent girl played a role that limits her abilities, but for once it was not a pretty face that shines through, but a performance that underlines the beauty of smile, even when all hopes are lost. She is fighter, a symbol of hope and a passion for love. It is tiny moments of her smile that made the movie all the more credible and also perfectly juxtaposing the brutality with peace within oneself. Love is a power tool, not only to fix things, but changes people and peace within oneself.
With that been said, director Soi Cheang is a genius at making emotional packed ending as seen in Love Battlefield and Home Sweet Home. Here, Soi Cheang opts for a level beyond emotional, too smart to be conventional and even shock to be unpredictable. Not to spoil the ending, it is so well done that one can not find any flaws, but then again, maybe Neo overlooked them. What made the movie even better is the outstanding use of scenery and contrasting the rapid fire industry of Hong Kong with the poverty yet underlying romantically charged Cambodia.
I am still catching my breath at the moment and to be honest, this movie really made my night. Its been a while that after watching the movie, I watch straight to my lap top and started typing, but in all, I just wanted to share my feelings across, before I forget. It can simply be a movie about a dog, a mad dog finding love, but this isn't just another dog movie. It is a movie about life, the realities that exist in a place not too far away. It is the realism and the brutality that shock us, but ultimately it is the movie as a whole that truly delivers. Dog Bite Dog is the best movie since 2004 and before I end this review, I will repeat myself one more time – Neo just simply love it! (Neo 2006)
Neo rates it 10/10
Phew breathless Ha breathing what a good movie and what an amazing ride? This is what movies are about, and this is the reason, Neo keeps watching bad HK movies. Dog Bite Dog is not only the Love Battlefield's director best movie ever, but undoubtedly the best movie of the last two years. This is what true HK cinema lovers are waiting for. This is the movie that stamps a huge mark on the viewers and perhaps a place in HK cinema history. To be perfectly honest, Neo haven't been this excited after a movie for years and finally this one delivers. It is that good, it is that impacting and it is that brilliant. As I said before, when I love movie, I overlook its flaws, but this one have none and at the very least, it captured and got hold of my heart. Seriously if you are reading this review, right at this very moment and still haven't watch Dog Bite Dog, go bite yourself and run or whatever straight to the local DVD shop and bite on it! It's a movie you cannot miss!
Writing this review right now, within just minutes after viewing this extraordinary experience, I am shocked, moved and absolutely uplifted. Nothing is better than finding a gem in a sea of recycle water and Dog Bite Dog is like that in 2006 HK cinema. I am not exaggerating; it is exactly how I feel right now. For someone who have been criticising Edison for his singing, acting and dancing for almost his whole career with the exception of Jiang Hu, Neo is still shocked to the max, that such a person like Edison is capable of such performance. Not unlike Jet Li's Danny the Dog, director Soi Cheang, uses similar themes, but make the movie 30 times better. It is unforgettable and cruel experience to endure through the brutality of humanity and the meaningless yet meaningful aspect of life.
Sam Lee, the actor who deems his way through supporting roles and leading roles in B-movies, have done something that he will be proud of. Perhaps a performance that will change his life and the direction of his acting future; it is a heck of a brilliant and absolutely award winning performance. His brutal eyes and expressions of angry are terrifying and his transformation is utterly and brutally memorable. Sam Lee has matured into an actor and perhaps after years and years of appearing in crappy movies, he has decided to stamp a point about himself. Alright, let's make a bold statement here: SAM LEE WILL WIN BEST ACTOR AWARD FOR 2006 HK FILMS AWARD! Edison Chen, Edison Chen, Edison Chen what can I say? A transformational performance and a career defining moment, Edison has put out a heck of a memorable performance. As a dog, he is aimless, with ultimate goal of killing for survival and the way he changes throughout his experiences of love and anger is both extraordinary and beautiful to watch. Two thumbs up from Neo and you are officially a better actor than Ekin Cheng.
The innocent girl played a role that limits her abilities, but for once it was not a pretty face that shines through, but a performance that underlines the beauty of smile, even when all hopes are lost. She is fighter, a symbol of hope and a passion for love. It is tiny moments of her smile that made the movie all the more credible and also perfectly juxtaposing the brutality with peace within oneself. Love is a power tool, not only to fix things, but changes people and peace within oneself.
With that been said, director Soi Cheang is a genius at making emotional packed ending as seen in Love Battlefield and Home Sweet Home. Here, Soi Cheang opts for a level beyond emotional, too smart to be conventional and even shock to be unpredictable. Not to spoil the ending, it is so well done that one can not find any flaws, but then again, maybe Neo overlooked them. What made the movie even better is the outstanding use of scenery and contrasting the rapid fire industry of Hong Kong with the poverty yet underlying romantically charged Cambodia.
I am still catching my breath at the moment and to be honest, this movie really made my night. Its been a while that after watching the movie, I watch straight to my lap top and started typing, but in all, I just wanted to share my feelings across, before I forget. It can simply be a movie about a dog, a mad dog finding love, but this isn't just another dog movie. It is a movie about life, the realities that exist in a place not too far away. It is the realism and the brutality that shock us, but ultimately it is the movie as a whole that truly delivers. Dog Bite Dog is the best movie since 2004 and before I end this review, I will repeat myself one more time – Neo just simply love it! (Neo 2006)
Neo rates it 10/10
- www.thehkneo.com
- webmaster-3017
- Oct 11, 2010
- Permalink
As it is often the case, the impressive and explosive trailers of Asian films add up to nothing more than lackluster stories. Similar to Unleashed (which was great,) Dog Bite Dog tells a story where men are raised as ferocious savage dogs that carry out their master's bidding. The main characters, an emotionally undeveloped, amoral killer who is matched against an equally unstable police officer, are far from the common heroes and villains we often see. In fact, by the end, you lose track of who you're supposed to empathize with, failing to feel even the slightest emotion for either of the men whether that was the failure of the director or perhaps the underlining message he was trying to tell is up to you to decide.
Although the beginning of the film was filled with intrigue and unpredictability, by the half-way point it slopped down to a humdrum story of survival and revenge. The suspense which was evident at first soon disappeared because of a grossly mismatched music score which brought down the potentially effective story telling. And in the end, you were left feeling that all that detailed background information and introspection of the main characters was somehow very unnecessary.
On the plus side, the transition in story from point a to point b was quite atypical compared to US movies so those who aren't familiar with Asian films and are tired of Hollywood's predictability should check it out.
The white balance seemed off throughout most of the film. It was like looking into a picture shot on fluorescent when it was supposed to be set on tungsten. Maybe I'm the only one, but it strained my eyes.
The movie also enjoyed playing tricks on you an interesting build-up gave me hope for the slow moving story until it was diverted to a low budget, low speed chase scene. And just when you think you were going to get an unanswered indie ending with a mix of Shakespearean tragedy, you realize that it's not an ending at all, but rather a transition into a wacky country-music montage about peace and serenity.
Throw in some grisly from-behind choke scenes, a moment of redemption unexpectedly brought back into savagery and back again the other way, Asians' fascination with bodily fluids and a horrible music score that didn't match the film, and you get the average bland Asian thriller.
I just don't get why every fight scene was overlaid with clips of roaring lions I thought they were supposed to symbolize dogs? Ultimately, in the end, we are reminded about a true killer that still lurks amongst us tetanus.
4/10
Although the beginning of the film was filled with intrigue and unpredictability, by the half-way point it slopped down to a humdrum story of survival and revenge. The suspense which was evident at first soon disappeared because of a grossly mismatched music score which brought down the potentially effective story telling. And in the end, you were left feeling that all that detailed background information and introspection of the main characters was somehow very unnecessary.
On the plus side, the transition in story from point a to point b was quite atypical compared to US movies so those who aren't familiar with Asian films and are tired of Hollywood's predictability should check it out.
The white balance seemed off throughout most of the film. It was like looking into a picture shot on fluorescent when it was supposed to be set on tungsten. Maybe I'm the only one, but it strained my eyes.
The movie also enjoyed playing tricks on you an interesting build-up gave me hope for the slow moving story until it was diverted to a low budget, low speed chase scene. And just when you think you were going to get an unanswered indie ending with a mix of Shakespearean tragedy, you realize that it's not an ending at all, but rather a transition into a wacky country-music montage about peace and serenity.
Throw in some grisly from-behind choke scenes, a moment of redemption unexpectedly brought back into savagery and back again the other way, Asians' fascination with bodily fluids and a horrible music score that didn't match the film, and you get the average bland Asian thriller.
I just don't get why every fight scene was overlaid with clips of roaring lions I thought they were supposed to symbolize dogs? Ultimately, in the end, we are reminded about a true killer that still lurks amongst us tetanus.
4/10
Plenty of other users have gone in-depth about this movie already so I'll keep it short. Suffice to say this is an extremely gripping film. The entire movie is a pulse-pounding game of cat-and-mouse between two equally reprehensible people. Somewhere along the way a mentally-challenged girl gets involved. and some dramatic details are revealed about the protagonists, leading to some heartbreaking moments.
Featuring riveting performances, an unpredictable plot development, and, of coarse, a heaping helping of raw, nihilistic brutality. This is a world where police officers will take an innocent girl hostage (or worse) to get a killer to surrender.
Some suspension of disbelief is required and some questions are left unanswered in the end. But make no mistake, this is a riveting, if extremely over-the-top, piece of cinema.
Featuring riveting performances, an unpredictable plot development, and, of coarse, a heaping helping of raw, nihilistic brutality. This is a world where police officers will take an innocent girl hostage (or worse) to get a killer to surrender.
Some suspension of disbelief is required and some questions are left unanswered in the end. But make no mistake, this is a riveting, if extremely over-the-top, piece of cinema.
- Humdinger69
- Oct 3, 2018
- Permalink
It's a bad movie, it seems like there is only 5 police in HK, they were not using there gun and this makes me feel like a Jacky Chan's movie. All the time they were using their gun to point at the suspect only. When they finally use their gun is when they kill each other, what a funny movie. In The movie, it's like all the good guys died without a reason.
They story line of the movie also sucks, the story jump here and there and bored people. But if you wanted to see a bloody movie, I think this is only a OK type of movie, I think U.S. made zombie movie is more bloodier than this one
They story line of the movie also sucks, the story jump here and there and bored people. But if you wanted to see a bloody movie, I think this is only a OK type of movie, I think U.S. made zombie movie is more bloodier than this one
This has got to be the best movie I've ever seen.
Combine breathtaking cinematography with stunning acting and a gripping plot, and you have a masterpiece.
Dog Bite Dog had me gripping the edge of my seat during some scenes, recoiling in horror during others, and left me drowning in my own tears after the tragic ending.
The film left a deep impression on me. It's shockingly violent scenes contrasted sharply with the poignant and tender 'love' scenes. The film is undeserving of it's Cat III (nudity) rating; there are no nude scenes whatsoever, and the 'love' scenes do not even involve kissing or 'making out'.
The message which this film presented to me? All human beings, no matter how violent or cruel they may seem, have a tender side. Edison Chen does a superb job playing the part of the murderous Pang.
I rate this film 10/10. It's a must-watch.
Combine breathtaking cinematography with stunning acting and a gripping plot, and you have a masterpiece.
Dog Bite Dog had me gripping the edge of my seat during some scenes, recoiling in horror during others, and left me drowning in my own tears after the tragic ending.
The film left a deep impression on me. It's shockingly violent scenes contrasted sharply with the poignant and tender 'love' scenes. The film is undeserving of it's Cat III (nudity) rating; there are no nude scenes whatsoever, and the 'love' scenes do not even involve kissing or 'making out'.
The message which this film presented to me? All human beings, no matter how violent or cruel they may seem, have a tender side. Edison Chen does a superb job playing the part of the murderous Pang.
I rate this film 10/10. It's a must-watch.
- thegirlwhogotoverit
- Jul 29, 2007
- Permalink