CITY ON FIRE (1987)

MORGAN'S RATING

When an undercover cop is killed, Chow is recruited by Inspector Lau to take his place trying to infiltrate a gang of thieves. But Chow had previously done undercover work and had developed an emotional bond with the men he then later had to betray -- and he is afraid it could happen again. The loyalty of the younger cop to the older man will be tested against the bonds he must form with the criminals in order to be trusted by them. This theme of the similarities between cops and criminals is a staple of the heroic bloodshed branch of Hong Kong cinema. Chow befriends Fu by posing as a man who can supply the guns needed for a jewelry heist. Director Ringo Lam stages his action and street scenes with a high degree of realism.

Chow Yun-Fat (Chow Yun Fat), Danny Lee (Fu), Yueh Sun, Carrie Ng (Huong), Roy Cheung (John Chan), Jessica Chau, maria Cordero (Lounge Singer), Victor Hon (Bill), Kong Lau (Inspector Chow), Elvis Tsui Chan Kam-Wah), Kwong Leung Wong (Kwong), Parkman Wong (Ah Man).

HE THOUGHT HE KNEW THE RISKS OF GOING UNDERCOVER.

FACTS

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

RELEASE DATE: July 17th, 2001 (USA) (VIDEO PREMIERE)

DIRECTOR: Ringo Lam (Replicant). WRITERS: Ringo Lam and Tommy Sham. PRODUCERS: Ringo Lam and Karl Maka. ORIGINAL MUSIC: Teddy Robin Kwan. DISTRIBUTOR: Buena Vista Home Video.

CRITICAL COMMENTS

"Hard to beat...grittily original." -- The Washington Post