‘Flash Point’ aka ‘city without mercy’ is the 2007 film directed by Wilson Yip. Screenwriters were Szeto Kam Yuen and Nicholl Tang. Starring Donnie Yen, Louis Koo, Colin Chou, Xing Yu, Ray Lui and Fan Bingbing.
Hot head Tiger (Xing Yu) loves to inflict violence. Archer (Ray Lui) is a cruel and jealous ladies’ man. Tony (Colin Chou) is the most dangerous. Don’t let the smiling angel face fool you. Just when you think you’re safe that’s when he strikes.
Archer is the eldest and leader of their gang. He relies heavily on Tony who negotiates all their deals. They let Tiger off his leash when they want to prove a point.
Detective Ma Jun (Donnie Yen) believes violence is the answer. He’s a regular before the review board. Collected numerous suspensions. How many partners has he had? Did they quit the force, beg for reassignment or were killed? His current partner Wilson (Louis Koo) is a gang mole.
When Wilson isn’t dodging bullets and Ma he’s squirreling away money and contacting old girlfriends. Judy (Fan Bingbing) takes pity on him and reenters his life.
Archer’s gang want to wipe out the old guard and takeover the city. Murder and threats against their families is handled in an unique and unexpected way. The elders enter a plea deal with the police. They’ll turn states evidence in exchange for immunity.
The good: How many films can say they had an actual Shaolin monk (Xing Yu) in the cast? Flash Point showcases Colin Chou in a way only hinted at in the Matrix films. Donnie Yen + MMA = AWESOME! Yen deserves every award possible for his innovative fight choreography.
The Yen and Chou smackdown. Hollywood, if you want Donnie Yen, give him a great role and free reign as the action choreographer. The Box Office will reflect the moviegoer’s thanks. Look at what he’s done in his own films.
Archer and his brothers may be ruthless @##$%$% but they LOVE their mother. The woman has Alzheimer’s. Her moments of forgetfulness bring them to tears. They’re doing all they can to avoid putting her in a nursing home.
The bad: The “I love to hate you” fest between Ma and Wilson. Talk about a hostile work environment. Even their Captain says they fight like an old married couple. The criminals treat Wilson better until they learn he’s mole.
Player Wilson being surprised and hurt when his conquests don’t remember his birthday or wish to celebrate with him. Judy for thinking she could change the immature man child. It takes kidnapping the pregnant Judy for Wilson to finally man up.
The ugly: The movie could’ve been longer. No sequel. Is Judy still with Wilson? Are Wilson and Ma keeping the bromance alive? What kind of bad influence is Uncle Ma? Shouldn’t Tony be breaking out of jail to avenge his brothers?
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