The ads were pushing up the expectations. Probably the best HK movie of the year, the next Infernal Affair. Well, I would probably agree on the first part, the rest of HK movie this year appeared too mediocre even for any mention. But, Infernal Affair? Too far apart.
I would blame all the promos. I enter the cinema with much anticipation for Cold War, though Tony Leung and Aaron Kwok are not my top favourite actors, but I have much respect for them in many of their works.
The story began rather simple, an EU unit got kidnapped with all 5 police personnel held ransom. Operation code named Cold War was launched. Initially deputy police commissioner of operation played by Tony Leung was in control by default since the police commissioner is not in the country. He is typically brash, and since his son is also held ransom together with the team, he went all out, mobilizing all the police force. Aaron Kwok who played the deputy of management, wrestle power from him and functioned as the head of operation Cold War. The ransom operation is partial failure since Chin Ka-Lok character was killed off, the bad guys got the money, but at least the rest of the victims were released unharmed. The second part of the movie began with ICAC receiving some information that the whole kidnapping was an inside job. So many red herrings were thrown in that keep you guessing who is the real culprit. The movie end with sort of a twist revealing the true villain.
The good things: the story is rather good, but the execution left you wanting for more. Writing of the script need some polishing, when I reflected after the movie, the story is full of holes, so much so that it look like the road in Malaysia (not the pre-election road-la). The cinematography is excellent, the views of HK as a metropolitan is breath-taking. Some of the action scenes, although infrequent, is executed rather well, especially the shooting in the ransom scene.
The bad..... acting. No, not by the top few actors. Tony Leung, Aaron Kwok, Chin Ka-Lok, Gordon Lam are all natural in their character. Tony Leung with his brash, impulsive dad, but calm and cocky when needed. Aaron Kwok in his melancholic face, Chin Ka-Lok in his street style, and Gordon in his suit, making you guess whether is he the good or bad guy. Nope, all of them shine. It is the rest of the crew that left you wondering why are they there. Aarif acting looked forced. Andy On, look like a cameo. Charlie Yeung.... she do look pretty, but as a top police officer... she just cant carry it out. The final let down is the twist....which was bit disappointing. The first part is nice, the suspense of how the police force handle a kidnapping case on the background of power tussle in the top rank officer. The second part is superb and great, with ICAC in the picture and the culprit is anyone's guess. Once they reveal the villain, the story goes downhill, the ending became sooooooo far-fetched.
Still, it is still a better HK movie this year, but as one blogger put it, if it is done by a more experienced team (remake in Hollywood?), things may be so much different.
ratings: 3 poink (I would love to rate higher, but the ending just pull down the whole thing)
comments: watching this is like eating a big plate of char-kue-tiao. The smell and the first few bites left you hungry for more. The next few bites lift you to cloud 9, thinking this may be the best char-kue-tiao ever. However, once you hit the last bite, you just feel "jelak" .....
