A Better Tomorrow

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The John Woo gangster classic that started it all, a romantic, violent, swirlingly stylish melodrama about dueling brothers--with a mesmerizing lead performance by Hong Kong's favorite actor, Chow Yun-Fat. In repose, Chow's sleepy magnetism recalls the glory days of Robert Mitchum, Steve McQueen, and Takakura Ken; when he's stepping high, Chow has a unique, ebullient star presence, a man who embraces life so unselfconsciously that he becomes vulnerable to all kinds of suffering and heartache (he endures masochistic megadoses of violence here). The sequence in which Chow's Mark avenges his betrayed best friend---by blasting his way into, and then out of, a Chinese restaurant, twin .45s blazing---is a swashbuckling standout. Woo's film technique may have been more polished in later efforts, but Tomorrow has a direct emotional power that is still unique. Kung fu star of the 1970s, Ti Lung is also terrific here as the 40ish established mobster, relied upon by all, who allows conflicting loyalties toward Mark and toward his younger brother, now a cop, to undermine the stability of his position. --David Chute

Customer Reviews:

Woo's International Calling Card.......2007-03-30

This is the Hong Kong action/crime film that kick started the flagging careers of director John Woo and actor Chow Yun Fat. Prior to this, both were relatively small players in the Hong Kong New Wave, Woo at one point was even seconded to Taiwan to direct desultory comedies and romances, similarly Chow was hardly box office gold. The success of the film lies in its energetic synthesis of local allegorical concerns (the 1997 handover to China, and urban dystopia), its aesthetic merits (Woo's balletic, beautifully composed action sequences) and its referential attitude to western forms (the French new wave, the Hollywood action film.) This potentially unwieldy and fragmented fabric to the film is masterfully controlled by a director and cast who rise wonderfully to the hyper-kinetic challenge of the film. "A Better Tomorrow" single-handedly created a new generic hybrid known as "the hero" film, as well as presenting action in a new and innovatively edited way, the film also weaves in a nostalgic subtext which endeared it to local audiences. The themes of friendship, loyalty, forgiveness and reconciliation are strong in the film, especially in the light of the familial and institutional breakdown that the films protagonists are surrounded by. The themes of social and urban dissolution are taken to further extremes in later films, most notable "Hard Boiled". One could argue that Woo made more polished later examples of "the hero" film, but for me "A Better Tomorrow" has a special original quality of its own, which has been remarkably popular in the global exchange of filmic images.

Anchor Bay's DVD is devoid of the special features one has become accustomed to from this fine company, however slight compensation is made by the picture and sound restoration. A definitive release of this Hong Kong classic is still required.

My favorite of John Woo.......2006-10-18

I still have to see Bullet In the Head but this movie is just flat out awesome. Ti Lung starts out as a guy who prints fake money. He ends up getting screwed over by somebody and has to go to jail for 3 years. When he gets out he is expecting a warm reception from his brother(Leslie Cheung)but he doesn't know that his release from prison is jeopardizing his brothers job as a cop. He then meets his gangster friend again and things have changed big time. His friend(Chow Yun-fat)who was on the top of world with him now has a brace fom a leg after a great shootout where Chow went to take revenge for Ti. He is a bum now that earns money by opening the door for the new boss of their crime business to his car. He then goes home at to a parking garage. Ti Lung ends up being the most miserable person on the planet after finding all of this out. Literally nothing will go right for him. Finally after being harrassed over and over again by the gangsters on top of evrything else, Ti has had enough. The finale is one of my favorite pieces of cinema history. I am not really a big Chow fan though I always thought he was OK but he puts on one of the greatest performances ever in this movie.

The DVD is not remastered but still has MUCH better picture quality than pretty much every Hong Kong movie released from this time. It even has an English dub on it though it is not recommended.

"It's easy to become a ganster, but it's hard to get out...".......2004-08-23

"A Better Tomorrow" is John Woo's first tense, bloody gangster epic, and while it wasn't his best it certainly shows the potential that would be fully realized later. It's here that Woo started developing the themes that he later explored further in "Hard Boiled" and "The Killer." Like those movies, "A Better Tomorrow" is a compelling tale of honor, loyalty and devotion set against the unlikely backdrop of the criminal underworld. The movie's principal plot, the relationship between an ex-gangster and his detective brother, is ideal for the sort of Shakesperean moral conflicts that are always at the center of Woo films. And like any movie, this one benefits immeasurably from the brooding, intense presence of Chow Yun Fat, even if his character is often in the background in this movie. Fat isn't quite the indelible leading man he would become a few years later, but his Mark does have his moments, most notably when cutting down a room full of enemies early on and later during the obligatory climactic shootout.

Strangely, though, "A Better Tomorrow" isn't quite as violent as I was given to expect after having previously seen Woo's later classics. Aside from the two aforementioned shootouts, the film is generally pretty subdued for something with Woo's stamp on it. Fortunately, the plot and characterization are more than sufficient to carry things along during the down time. Much of "A Better Tomorrow" explores the relationships among its three central characters. There's Ho, the ex-gangster and extremely tortured soul who gets out of prison three years after being betrayed by his apprentice to find out that going straight isn't going to be easy. There's his detective brother Kit, the kind of guy that practically squeaks when he walks, sees everything in black and white, and still bears a grudge against Ho for his criminal past. And of course, there's Mark, crippled during the aforementioned shootout scene and none too happy about it. This guy's got plenty of rage bottled up inside him, and you know it's just a matter of time until some unfortunate people wind up on the receiving end.

Unfolding around these three guys, the movie's action is vintage Woo, plot twists and all, as Ho's cartoonishly evil ex-protege Shing tries to consolidate his power in the underworld. Allegiances shift, the line between good and bad is repeatedly blurred, and bullets fly everywhere. Played in a sufficiently brooding manner by Ti Lung, Ho eventually emerges as one of the most compelling characters in action movie history, a guy who struggles mighty hard to maintain his dignity and his principles even after his old life has been pulled out from under him. Kit's sanctimony occasionally gets so irritating that even I wanted to punch him in the face, but Ho still manages to remain loyal to his brother. The naive Kit doesn't want to see the world in shades of grey, but of course his brother knows better.

In any Woo movie, the plot is all but bound to be resolved with a frenetic shootout, and this one is no exception. Apparently, there's nothing to help two feuding brothers get over their problems like being in a sustained gunfight together. Anyway, while not as impressive as the legendary church battle in "The Killer" or the full-scale war in a hospital that ends "Hard Boiled," this movie's final standoff does provide an early glimpse at the talent for staging ultraviolent gun battles that would make propel Woo (and Fat) to international renown. At a mere ninety-four minutes, "A Better Tomorrow" is a bit on the short side, and occasionally somewhat amateurish, but it still showcases all of the elements that Woo fans would come to know and love. It was up to later movies to do a sleeker and more professional job, which they certainly did.

One of John Woo's best!!!.......2003-12-30

This classic Hong Kong flick is one of John Woo's best films!!! 2 sequels followed!!! This is the first and the best of the series!!! The action is intence!!! Anchor Bay did a top notch job with this DVD!!! I'ts in 16:9 Widescreen and has multiple language tracks and great subtitles!!! Some trailers and production notes round out this awesome DVD!!! Two thumbs up!!! A+

Don't Make this your first John Woo flick........2003-10-30

This is my second favorite John Woo movie with great touches of action and drama, When I first saw this film (about 5 years ago) I wasn't used to seeing this much violence on screen (And I thought Lethal Weapon was extremely violent at that time) I was in shock and more then once my jaw dropped. This film is VERY violent But compared to other action films this is REALLY tame nowadays. The minor points of this film would be some bad acting to some worse acting in some spots, some weird cuts and editing, the subs were terrible, as the same with the audio quality and some of the camera work is bad, but this is John Woo's first (if you can count heroes shed no tears) landmark heroic bloodshed film so we all know he could have done worse MUCH worse. Yun fat chow, Ti Lung and Leslie Chung have their good moments to bad moments, most of the good moments goes to Chow and Ti while Leslie had only one or two moments. The plot is like this A cop must confront his criminal brother. That's it. If your the typical Hollywood action goer this is your perfect find. But as I said if your new to the heroic bloodshed films don't make this your first one, I'll say stick with the killer and hard boiled for a few weeks then move on. But if your the Hollywood action movie goer make this your first if you can handle it move on to the other heroic bloodshed films and so on. This film is a big landmark in the action genre and a even bigger landmark to the underground action genre. I really recommend this film to any action fan!!!!!

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Suki Kwan/Shooky Kwan Sau Mei
Cool Hong Kong Gangster Movie
Not Much New Here (Except A Decent Print)
Not Much New Here (Except A Decent Print)

Cop on a Mission
Starring: Daniel Wu (II) , Eric Tsang , Suki Kwan , Shu Tong Wong , and Chi Fai Chan
Director: Marco Mak
Manufacturer: Tai Seng
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005S6KD
Release Date: 2002-01-22

Customer Reviews:

Suki Kwan/Shooky Kwan Sau Mei .......2004-10-27

Daniel Wu was a hopeless cop. Eric Tsang Chi Wai is the chief of Hong Kong mafia (Hung Heng). Suki Kwan Sau Mei (Pauline) was the wife of Eric Tsang. Suki Kwan Sau Mei has always acted as big mafia's wife. Only Suki Kwan Sau Mei has the kind of quality to portray a beautiful, intelligent, and powerful woman.

Daniel Wu was having breakfast in a restaurant with her annoying girl friend. Eric Tsang was having gathering with other mafia bosses. Eric Tsang is very proud to bring Suki Kwan Sau Mei with him wherever he goes (who wouldn't). Suki Kwan Sau Mei will socialize with other bosses. All the other bosses will only envy Eric Tsang, not for his powerful status but his beautiful woman. As the most powerful man in Hong Kong and a triad leader, Eric Tsang never goes for prostitution. Suki Kwan Sau Mei has it all.

Suddenly, wines are spill at Suki Kwan Sau Mei's dress. The captain quickly escorts Suki Kwan Sau Mei to a room to clean up. Daniel Wu accidentally entered the room and peep at Suki Kwan Sau Mei. Suki Kwan Sau Mei undressed and started wiping her body. Suki Kwan Sau Mei was so sexy. Daniel Wu was very high.

After that night, Daniel Wu is obsessed with Suki Kwan Sau Mei. He masturbates and thinks about Suki Kwan Sau Mei's dazzling look and sexy body. Daniel was asked to go into Eric's triad as undercover. One night, Suki Kwan Sau Mei came out from a nightclub and few people attempt to attack Suki Kwan Sau Mei. Daniel quickly protects Suki Kwan Sau Mei from being wound and sensibly uses his own body to wrap the entire stab. Whoever who is attempting to hurt Suki Kwan Sau Mei is insane.

Daniel Wu gained the trust of Eric Tsang. One day, in Macau, the triad boss took Suki Kwan Sau Mei as hostage and asked Eric Tsang for a negotiation. Eric Tsang send Daniel Wu there and even instructed not to lose face even if it means losing Suki Kwan Sau Mei's life. Eric Tsang is really insane for saving his face to sacrifice Suki Kwan Sau Mei.

Anyway, Daniel Wu is determined to save Suki Kwan Sau Mei. When Daniel Wu went in to the room, Suki Kwan Sau Mei was being tied up. The boss said, Eric Tsang has the greatest woman in the globe, and he's not treasuring her for sending such jerk for negotiation. He asked his men to rape her. Suki Kwan Sau Mei was very scared. Then, the boss offered a deal to ask Daniel to have sex with Suki Kwan Sau Mei in front of all his men and he will let them go. Daniel agreed with the offer. Who wouldn't? The other entire guy was erotic to see such scene. They all want to have sex with Suki Kwan Sau Mei. While paying undivided attention to the act, Daniel's men arrived and killed all of them. Beauty is saved.

When Suki Kwan Sau Mei came back to meet Eric, Eric does not want to talk to her. Suki Kwan Sau Mei was surprised. With her sexy tone, she said "Eric." but Eric asked her to go away. Suki Kwan Sau Mei was totally stunned. This is really unreasonable. Suki Kwan Sau Mei was in such a dangerous situation and Eric did not send his whole troops to rescue her. Now, Suki Kwan Sau Mei is back with no scratch! Eric should be down on her knees kissing every inch of Suki Kwan Sau Mei. Suki Kwan Sau Mei even lean her face towards him but he rejected her?

Suki went out of the room and have sex with Daniel. But later, Eric found out her secret. Suki admitted that she had sex with Daniel. Under tradition, as the woman of the head of triad, Suki should be brutally punished to death. Of course, Eric let her go without even harming her or scolded her. That's the kind of privilege no other woman can get.

At the end, Eric found out Daniel's plan of betraying him and wanted to burry him alive. Daniel begged for help. He begged Suki to ask Eric to let him go. Eric said "If Pauline (Suki) says so, he'll live". Again, only Suki can order the boss to change his directive order in front of all his people. But, Suki didn't help and just let him die.

Daniel's first erotic dream came from looking at Suki's face. The last image he sees before dying was also the beautiful Suki. Considered a very lucky man.

Cool Hong Kong Gangster Movie.......2004-07-10

The new Hong Kong movies usually aren't that great. The triad theme has been done to death in Hong Kong and the new stuff doesn't hold a candle to the older Chow Yun-Fat movies. This movie is quite a suprise though. A real good cast of characters with new Hong Kong star Daniel Wu, an ABC from the bay area. I think this is one of his first starring roles. Either this one or "Gen X Cops". Anyway, the theme of the movie is quite intriguing and with the good undercover cop becoming a hardcore triad leader. I rather liked the ending when Daniel Wu's character gets his 'reward' for being such a jerk. Anyway,it is quite cool that ABCs are making it big in Hong Kong cinema. Anya Wu another Chinese American is in the film. I think this is a great movie and it kept me interested through out the duration of the film.

Not Much New Here (Except A Decent Print).......2002-02-12

Hong Kong cop (Daniel Wu, sporting better Cantonese than Michael Wong) goes undercover to bust Triad chief (Eric Tsang) and other mob bosses. The problems are that (a) he likes money, (b) he likes watching the boss's wife undress, and (c) he likes to kill. Maybe you can guess where this is going?

Well, Wu takes a lot of showers, and Tsang doesn't fully abandon his clownish nature (I'm not a fan of his comedy work). These two create more fully rounded characters than your usual HK crime story, but there's not much else besides that to recommend here. There's one nice theme song used on the soundtrack, but there's a lot of jazz that I did not appreciate.

At least, Tai Seng has provided a nice, clean picture. English subtitles are removable, there are some trailers, and also included is an audio commentary.

Not Much New Here (Except A Decent Print).......2002-02-12

Well, Wu takes a lot of showers, and Tsang doesn't fully abandon his clownish nature (I'm not a fan of his comedy work). These two create more full rounded characters than your usual HK crime story, but there's not much else besides that to recommend here. There's one nice theme song used on the soundtrack, but there's a lot of jazz that I did not appreciate.

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Customer Reviews:

Woo's International Calling Card.......2007-03-30

My favorite of John Woo.......2006-10-18

"It's easy to become a ganster, but it's hard to get out...".......2004-08-23

One of John Woo's best!!!.......2003-12-30

Don't Make this your first John Woo flick........2003-10-30

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