I can respect the amount of romance these cold blooded Triad members have for traditions and the pursuit for power in these modern days.
But, I didn't fully connect. To watch a bunch of scum elect the lesser scum from their ranks is something that always looks cool on film but I would much rather stick to the american mafia that has its roots in Europe. It's much more cinematic. Nevertheless, Johnnie To takes a lot of references from the Hollywood side, and it is quite visible.
It didn't feel like a chore, but it was not far off. I think I would have liked to see more style, because there would have been space for it...and less talking.
But, I didn't fully connect. To watch a bunch of scum elect the lesser scum from their ranks is something that always looks cool on film but I would much rather stick to the american mafia that has its roots in Europe. It's much more cinematic. Nevertheless, Johnnie To takes a lot of references from the Hollywood side, and it is quite visible.
It didn't feel like a chore, but it was not far off. I think I would have liked to see more style, because there would have been space for it...and less talking.