I was previously unfamiliar with the work of Chinese director Johnnie To, but it seems he's a man at home in the gangster genre, churning out quirky production after quirky production during a lengthy career. From what I understand, EXILED is a typical example of the director's style. It's a film with a so-so story happy to repeat the gangster clichés without adding anything new by way of plot or interest, one that benefits from the director's assured hand, which adds style to the infrequent action sequences. These are of the 'violent shootout' perfected by John Woo and, even if they do pay homage to gangster flicks of old, they're still fun, with only the minimum of unbelievable moments (what WAS it with that spinning flying door, anyway?).
EXILED is a subtle, slow paced drama for the most part, with interchangeable characters questioning their roles in life. In this respect, I found it similar to a Beat Takeshi film like SONATINE. Most of the actors are good, but they don't get a chance to register, with the exception of the two centrally opposed gangster: we have Anthony Wong as a sunglasses-wearing hit-man and Simon Yam as his vindictive mob boss. Wong, who previously I've known for playing bad guys in the likes of HARD-BOILED, shines as he gets the chance to play a good guy for once, while Yam has fun hamming it up in an outrageous villainous turn.
For the most part, this is watchable rather than entertaining; I spend some parts waiting for something to happen, and other segments finding myself pretty impressed (the late-on raid on a gold shipment is a very well handled moment as is the TRUE ROMANCE-inspired climax). It's not a film I'd watch again, and it doesn't inspire me to seek out more of the director's work, but it isn't bad for what it is.
EXILED is a subtle, slow paced drama for the most part, with interchangeable characters questioning their roles in life. In this respect, I found it similar to a Beat Takeshi film like SONATINE. Most of the actors are good, but they don't get a chance to register, with the exception of the two centrally opposed gangster: we have Anthony Wong as a sunglasses-wearing hit-man and Simon Yam as his vindictive mob boss. Wong, who previously I've known for playing bad guys in the likes of HARD-BOILED, shines as he gets the chance to play a good guy for once, while Yam has fun hamming it up in an outrageous villainous turn.
For the most part, this is watchable rather than entertaining; I spend some parts waiting for something to happen, and other segments finding myself pretty impressed (the late-on raid on a gold shipment is a very well handled moment as is the TRUE ROMANCE-inspired climax). It's not a film I'd watch again, and it doesn't inspire me to seek out more of the director's work, but it isn't bad for what it is.