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A Better Tomorrow
1986
John Woo's forays into Hollywood cinema have revealed just how childish a lot of his material can feel when it is delivered without the clouding medium of subtitles. In his earlier Hong Kong movies it is possible to allow that the melodramatic, risible and at times confusing dialogue--a disgruntled gangster exclaims "Nobody .. Read more
| Starring | Chow Yun Fat, Ti Lung, Leslie Cheung, Emily Chu |
|---|---|
| Director | John Woo |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Thriller, World Cinema |
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Critics' reviews (2)
View all -
Woo's career was at its nadir when Tsui Hark brought him into Film Workshop and proposed this 'remake' of Patrick... read more on Time Out
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"...A welcome jolt....Ridiculously exhilarating..." -- Rating: A-
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
View all -
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Chow Yun Fat Owns
This film's subject isn't new, gangster gets in trouble with rival mob, gets arrested , his family are threatened. However the script is excellent and the gangster really wants to proove he's changed, his reluctant brother rejects him as the death of their father was caused by his mob involvement. But the mob won't let go of the gangster and soon the brother is in trouble too. Some of the climaxs are expected and some aren't but the end certainly doesn't disapoint and theres plenty of action. Chow Yun Fat prooves even with 1 good leg he can be a 1 man band, and he prooves a great juxtaposition.
John Woo does it again, If you like foreign films or are a big fan of john woo or chow rent this film. -
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Definately worth the hype!
This film is slightly melodramatic (due to Chow Yun Fat and particularly Leslie Cheung) though the film has a strong emotional undercurrent running through it which beats not only John Woo's US work but most dramatic films in general. For those who like low-key and subtlely played yet heart-felt performances, I'd say that Ti Lung's is the best in the film.
Ti's performance as a man caught up in a dilemma is fascinating whereas Leslie overdoes some of it, with Chow lingering somewhere in between being subtle and over the top!
The action is groundbreaking for the time although somewhat rigid as it was John's 2nd contemporary action film (i.e. guns, pyrotechnics and car chases) so it doesn't compete with his later works (which is why the action scenes in Schwarzeneggar's Raw Deal {released if not completely made in the same year as ABT} is on par with this, which is funny given the common perception that Hong Kong action films are superior to anything put out by anywhere else, films like Raw Deal and Drive prove likewise).
Yet, the originality and style of the restaurant shootout is what makes up for the loose nature of the gun battles that precede and follow it.
The two sequels to A Better Tomorrow are very underrated. The first sequel was originally 2 hours & 40 minutes long so John Woo & Tsui Hark (the producer) had to cut the film seperately under a very limited period of time due to pressure from the studio and distributors to trim the film down to get more screenings in cinemas. Therefore, the film had suffered terribly causing Woo to disown it.
People usually ignore or don't realize the themes which are at work in ABT 2; besides the usual symbolism and metaphors, the film develops John Woo's themes of religion with Chow's character being resurrected in the form of a twin brother called Ken (think of Jesus Christ resurrecting before going back into heaven and you'll see amazing parallels with Ken - especially given the final line of dialogue that's uttered in the film).
Also the sequel shows Woo's ingenious strokes of irony: Dean Shek's character Lung is a godfather to Ken - making Ken a younger disciple/underling but when the former becomes shell-shocked, the latter ends up being the father to the childish former. However, it's when Ken is in peril that Lung jumps back into reality to take on the foes who have threatened his life.
Both John Woo's sense of irony (usually with his trademark juxtaposition sequences) and religion is pushed to the fore as we see the death scene of Leslie Cheung played out alongside the birth of his son thus making way to the Buddhist belief of being reincarnated. Henceforth John Woo contrasts two different ideologies of what happens after when you die.
Another thing which is overlooked in the sequel is John Woo's insidious sense of humour (he used to make comedies before going into action movies), especially here in the form of self-deprecating humour (which can also be found in his film Just Heroes which makes references to ABT) thus making ABT 2 a semi-parody of the first film.
A Better Tomorrow 3 is a prequel set in war-torn Vietnam that was directed by Tsui Hark which was underappreciated by fans & critics for being very different to Woo's films. Also, many complained that Anita Mui (famous Hong Kong singer/actress) teaching Chow how to fire guns was like Madonna teaching Bruce Willis to fire guns in a Die Hard prequel set in Vietnam where she plays a French femme fatale (which makes sense given the French occupation of Vietnam at the time of the war).
Besides going over to the IMDB to check out some trivia, try going here first: http://www.hkfilm.net/abt.htm -
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
kiss kiss bang ban
Nice suits and some loveley guns. An unlimited supply of bullets and a geordie kid dancing down a cobbled street. Top Notch. Just needs some Don Henley sounds and were away.
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Most recent members' reviews (2)
View all -
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Honest heart on the sleeve fun
I find these Hong Kong action films so much more entertaining than the dross Hollywood pumps out, they have a naive charm and enthusiasm that is rare to see. They have limited budgets but they do the best they can, it's got to be commended. Try it, you might be entertained.
-
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Definately worth the hype!
This film is slightly melodramatic (due to Chow Yun Fat and particularly Leslie Cheung) though the film has a strong emotional undercurrent running through it which beats not only John Woo's US work but most dramatic films in general. For those who like low-key and subtlely played yet heart-felt performances, I'd say that Ti Lung's is the best in the film.
Ti's performance as a man caught up in a dilemma is fascinating whereas Leslie overdoes some of it, with Chow lingering somewhere in between being subtle and over the top!
The action is groundbreaking for the time although somewhat rigid as it was John's 2nd contemporary action film (i.e. guns, pyrotechnics and car chases) so it doesn't compete with his later works (which is why the action scenes in Schwarzeneggar's Raw Deal {released if not completely made in the same year as ABT} is on par with this, which is funny given the common perception that Hong Kong action films are superior to anything put out by anywhere else, films like Raw Deal and Drive prove likewise).
Yet, the originality and style of the restaurant shootout is what makes up for the loose nature of the gun battles that precede and follow it.
The two sequels to A Better Tomorrow are very underrated. The first sequel was originally 2 hours & 40 minutes long so John Woo & Tsui Hark (the producer) had to cut the film seperately under a very limited period of time due to pressure from the studio and distributors to trim the film down to get more screenings in cinemas. Therefore, the film had suffered terribly causing Woo to disown it.
People usually ignore or don't realize the themes which are at work in ABT 2; besides the usual symbolism and metaphors, the film develops John Woo's themes of religion with Chow's character being resurrected in the form of a twin brother called Ken (think of Jesus Christ resurrecting before going back into heaven and you'll see amazing parallels with Ken - especially given the final line of dialogue that's uttered in the film).
Also the sequel shows Woo's ingenious strokes of irony: Dean Shek's character Lung is a godfather to Ken - making Ken a younger disciple/underling but when the former becomes shell-shocked, the latter ends up being the father to the childish former. However, it's when Ken is in peril that Lung jumps back into reality to take on the foes who have threatened his life.
Both John Woo's sense of irony (usually with his trademark juxtaposition sequences) and religion is pushed to the fore as we see the death scene of Leslie Cheung played out alongside the birth of his son thus making way to the Buddhist belief of being reincarnated. Henceforth John Woo contrasts two different ideologies of what happens after when you die.
Another thing which is overlooked in the sequel is John Woo's insidious sense of humour (he used to make comedies before going into action movies), especially here in the form of self-deprecating humour (which can also be found in his film Just Heroes which makes references to ABT) thus making ABT 2 a semi-parody of the first film.
A Better Tomorrow 3 is a prequel set in war-torn Vietnam that was directed by Tsui Hark which was underappreciated by fans & critics for being very different to Woo's films. Also, many complained that Anita Mui (famous Hong Kong singer/actress) teaching Chow how to fire guns was like Madonna teaching Bruce Willis to fire guns in a Die Hard prequel set in Vietnam where she plays a French femme fatale (which makes sense given the French occupation of Vietnam at the time of the war).
Besides going over to the IMDB to check out some trivia, try going here first: http://www.hkfilm.net/abt.htm
-
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Chow Yun Fat Owns
This film's subject isn't new, gangster gets in trouble with rival mob, gets arrested , his family are threatened. However the script is excellent and the gangster really wants to proove he's changed, his reluctant brother rejects him as the death of their father was caused by his mob involvement. But the mob won't let go of the gangster and soon the brother is in trouble too. Some of the climaxs are expected and some aren't but the end certainly doesn't disapoint and theres plenty of action. Chow Yun Fat prooves even with 1 good leg he can be a 1 man band, and he prooves a great juxtaposition.
John Woo does it again, If you like foreign films or are a big fan of john woo or chow rent this film. -
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Definately worth the hype!
This film is slightly melodramatic (due to Chow Yun Fat and particularly Leslie Cheung) though the film has a strong emotional undercurrent running through it which beats not only John Woo's US work but most dramatic films in general. For those who like low-key and subtlely played yet heart-felt performances, I'd say that Ti Lung's is the best in the film.
Ti's performance as a man caught up in a dilemma is fascinating whereas Leslie overdoes some of it, with Chow lingering somewhere in between being subtle and over the top!
The action is groundbreaking for the time although somewhat rigid as it was John's 2nd contemporary action film (i.e. guns, pyrotechnics and car chases) so it doesn't compete with his later works (which is why the action scenes in Schwarzeneggar's Raw Deal {released if not completely made in the same year as ABT} is on par with this, which is funny given the common perception that Hong Kong action films are superior to anything put out by anywhere else, films like Raw Deal and Drive prove likewise).
Yet, the originality and style of the restaurant shootout is what makes up for the loose nature of the gun battles that precede and follow it.
The two sequels to A Better Tomorrow are very underrated. The first sequel was originally 2 hours & 40 minutes long so John Woo & Tsui Hark (the producer) had to cut the film seperately under a very limited period of time due to pressure from the studio and distributors to trim the film down to get more screenings in cinemas. Therefore, the film had suffered terribly causing Woo to disown it.
People usually ignore or don't realize the themes which are at work in ABT 2; besides the usual symbolism and metaphors, the film develops John Woo's themes of religion with Chow's character being resurrected in the form of a twin brother called Ken (think of Jesus Christ resurrecting before going back into heaven and you'll see amazing parallels with Ken - especially given the final line of dialogue that's uttered in the film).
Also the sequel shows Woo's ingenious strokes of irony: Dean Shek's character Lung is a godfather to Ken - making Ken a younger disciple/underling but when the former becomes shell-shocked, the latter ends up being the father to the childish former. However, it's when Ken is in peril that Lung jumps back into reality to take on the foes who have threatened his life.
Both John Woo's sense of irony (usually with his trademark juxtaposition sequences) and religion is pushed to the fore as we see the death scene of Leslie Cheung played out alongside the birth of his son thus making way to the Buddhist belief of being reincarnated. Henceforth John Woo contrasts two different ideologies of what happens after when you die.
Another thing which is overlooked in the sequel is John Woo's insidious sense of humour (he used to make comedies before going into action movies), especially here in the form of self-deprecating humour (which can also be found in his film Just Heroes which makes references to ABT) thus making ABT 2 a semi-parody of the first film.
A Better Tomorrow 3 is a prequel set in war-torn Vietnam that was directed by Tsui Hark which was underappreciated by fans & critics for being very different to Woo's films. Also, many complained that Anita Mui (famous Hong Kong singer/actress) teaching Chow how to fire guns was like Madonna teaching Bruce Willis to fire guns in a Die Hard prequel set in Vietnam where she plays a French femme fatale (which makes sense given the French occupation of Vietnam at the time of the war).
Besides going over to the IMDB to check out some trivia, try going here first: http://www.hkfilm.net/abt.htm -
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
kiss kiss bang ban
Nice suits and some loveley guns. An unlimited supply of bullets and a geordie kid dancing down a cobbled street. Top Notch. Just needs some Don Henley sounds and were away.
-
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
A better movie today
After Hard Boiled this is one of the best John Woo/Chow Yun Fat
Collaborations.
It's all about revenge, honour between men and lots of gun fights. Try the Cantonese subtitled version as the English dub is awful. -
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Honest heart on the sleeve fun
I find these Hong Kong action films so much more entertaining than the dross Hollywood pumps out, they have a naive charm and enthusiasm that is rare to see. They have limited budgets but they do the best they can, it's got to be commended. Try it, you might be entertained.
-
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
poor quality
I'm a big fan of Leslie Cheung and it's so sad that he committed suicide last year. I thought by watching the bonus disc would give me another chance to watch him. However there's very little on him - there are interviews with Chow Yun Fat and John Woo but the quality is not very good. I could hardly hear what the interviewer's question and the whole disc does appear very amateur.
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1 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Where it all began
Hong Kong's all martial arts? Not from this moment onwards. Although A Better Tomorrow looks somewhat dated now, you can still feel how new it must have been back then. It's obvious that John Woo was going to take Hollywood by storm, and that Chow Yun Fat was destined for stardom after watching this. The sheer energy is amazing, as is the portrayal of the moral uncertainties in Hong Kong at the time. And the heroes who emerge are as good and complex as you're likely to get. I was disappointed by the extras DVD (which was the only reason I hired this as I've seen the film before). It was poorly subtitled and didn't really add a lot to the film. However, that wouldn't stop me watching the film again and again.
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not bad after all
I didn't order this movie but as it arrived I watched it. Picture quality is not very good. Colors are worn out. Like most chineses movie it is very theatrical i.e. over acted.... but if you can keep watching the first 30 minutes or so you get used to it. The story is simplistic but quite good and there is a lot of action. I think it is a good movie for the genre but if you are not a fan then abstain.
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1 out of 2 people found this review helpful
woo-derful woo woo
john woo films are either wooderful or wooful this gets 4 stars woo woo
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2 out of 4 people found this review helpful
You just can't trust the radio times for a review.. this film is dire
You know, these reviewers at the radio times must be on another level, I can't believe the ratings they give to films - great ones IMHO get stupidly low ratings and vice versa, only once in a while (a very long while) do they hit the nail on the head.
I was a big fan of Chow Yun Fat ever since I saw the killer, and i'm now trying to watch every single film he's made, however, the more films of his I see, the more critical I become. God of gamblers was just about bearable, but this film, I had to turn off.
I can't hack fantasy violence! there has to be some realism to the action scenes or there's no point having them, and there are plenty of unreal action sequences in this film. If you can overlook that, and a poor performance by chow yun fat, then sure rent this out, but I thought it was a waste of time.
The plot in this film is oh so weak, two brothers, both on different sides of the law with conflicting interests! (If you like me hate this film, but want to see something with a similar concept but that is 100x better, I'd highly recommend the indian film 'Dewaar' - it's an amazing film that will really move you - do let me know your thoughts on it!)
Critics' reviews (2)
-
Woo's career was at its nadir when Tsui Hark brought him into Film Workshop and proposed this 'remake' of Patrick... read more on Time Out
-
"...A welcome jolt....Ridiculously exhilarating..." -- Rating: A-
Buy from the LOVEFiLM shop
-
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A Better Tomorrow
John Woo's forays into Hollywood cinema have revealed just how childish a lot of his material can feel when it is delivered without the clouding medium of subtitles. In his earlier Hong Kong movies it is possible to allow that the melodramatic, risible and at times confusing dialogue--a disgruntled ...
-
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