The third Johnnie To film to be released this year (following "Where A Good Man Goes" and "Running Out Of Time), "The Mission" is surprisingly different in a lot of respects. Beautifully photographed but slightly underwhelming, "Mission" features a simple storyline about 5 bodyguards protecting a triad boss in his daily endeavors.
The film is defined by gorgeously stark cinematography and visual framing that utilizes wide angle lenses effectively. Just check out the sequence at a mall where the bodyguards are all focusing on different unseen targets. It all resembles a whacked-out target-shooting video game. There is also some solid performances, esp. by Anthony Wong as Curtis, one of the bodyguards.
Unfortunately, the story is a little underwhelming since we're now accustomed to seeing Milky Way films that feature interweaving tales that deal a lot with fate and consequence. While this one does have a certain element of that, for the most part it's about both the loyalty and monotony that is inherent in the bodyguard profession.
While "The Mission" is slightly lacking in certain respects, it is still a solid Milky Way production and a good capper to To and company's good year.
The film is defined by gorgeously stark cinematography and visual framing that utilizes wide angle lenses effectively. Just check out the sequence at a mall where the bodyguards are all focusing on different unseen targets. It all resembles a whacked-out target-shooting video game. There is also some solid performances, esp. by Anthony Wong as Curtis, one of the bodyguards.
Unfortunately, the story is a little underwhelming since we're now accustomed to seeing Milky Way films that feature interweaving tales that deal a lot with fate and consequence. While this one does have a certain element of that, for the most part it's about both the loyalty and monotony that is inherent in the bodyguard profession.
While "The Mission" is slightly lacking in certain respects, it is still a solid Milky Way production and a good capper to To and company's good year.