Firestorm - 風暴

風暴 (Firestorm) is an 2013 film out of Hong Kong. The movie stars Andy Lau. The supporting cast include Gordon Lam, Yao Chen, and Hu Jun. The movie takes place in Hong Kong and reach number in the local film markets of Hong Kong, Zhong Guo, and Taiwan.

Andy Lau plays a lead officer of the police department, Lui. Lui is trying to nail a group of criminals hitting security trucks. When Lui's team engages a team in mid-robbery, there's a standstill that takes the life of an hostage. The police seem to know some of the parties but they don't cooperate and the police have no evidence to make arrest. While the way, Lui goes after those that can and enlist the help of a friend in the black trade business. Situation after situation, Lui has to adjust to the criminal activity.



I can see why this film was so well liked. There were many cheezy film special effects, but I understand this is HK and not Hollywood quality. I also know the style of going more realistic since "Breaking News". Which this movie really reminded me of. The acting was semi-over the top, but still good enough to bring along the movie.



Surprised I was able to see in only 4 weeks after its release. But there are many more from December that haven't made it to LA yet.

喋血孤城 - Death And Glory In Changde

喋血孤城 (Death And Glory In Changde City) is an 2010 film out of Zhong Guo. The movie stars an ensemble of people, but the stars were Ray Lui and Ady An.

The movie is placed in 1944 when Japanese troops are trying to take down the Nationalist Chinese army in the Changde area. We follow the lives of one particular troop. This troop ends up holding off the Japanese long enough for reinforcements to show up. However, in that process, many lives are lost and the movie moves to make the Japanese the bad guys with honor. In this mix is couples that wonder if they will ever get married or survive.

The movie was quite a surprise. An Nationalist army movie released in Zhong Guo? And a very patriotic tone to it. Yes, it was about overcoming the Japanese invasion, but it wasn't about the communist army. I thought it strange and continue to try to reconcile that. Unless I am completely wrong and those uniforms have confused me. Which is quite easy. Ady An plays a part in the bigger ensemble but still shines.